SF4837

Purpose

To require firearm owners to carry and maintain liability insurance that covers damages from negligent or accidental firearm discharge, and to set minimum coverage, training incentives, and penalties for noncompliance.

Main Provisions

• Firearm liability insurance requirement

  • An individual who owns a firearm must obtain and continuously maintain a liability insurance policy that covers damages resulting from negligent or accidental discharge, including death, injury, or property damage.
  • The insurer must pay on behalf of the insured the damages the insured is legally obligated to pay due to negligent or accidental discharge.

• Minimum coverage

  • Each insured firearm must have at least $250,000 in liability coverage per occurrence (excluding interest and costs).

• Coverage for existing firearm owners

  • Anyone who owned a firearm on the effective date must obtain the required insurance by February 15, 2027.

• Safety incentives

  • Policies may require or offer premium discounts for completing certified safety training, using firearm safes, firearm locks, chamber load indicators, or other recognized safety measures.

• Criminal penalties for noncompliance

  • First violation: misdemeanor.
  • Second or subsequent violation: gross misdemeanor.
  • Courts must impose a minimum fine of $1,000 if the person has two or more prior convictions under this section.

• Exceptions

  • The requirement does not apply to law enforcement officers or active duty military personnel while acting in the course of official duties.

• Related provisions (codification and funding)

  • The bill would create a new statutory provision (Firearm Liability Insurance) within Minnesota Statutes, extending or coding new law in chapters related to commerce (65A and related sections, including 297I).

Implementation Details and Impact

• Legal framework

  • Establishes a new statute: Firearm Liability Insurance (65A.60F), defining key terms (e.g., “firearm” and “insured”) and laying out the scope of required coverage.

• Financial and practical impact

  • Shifts financial responsibility for damages from third parties to firearm owners through mandatory liability insurance.
  • Could increase costs for firearm ownership due to insurance requirements and potential surcharges (as referenced in the bill’s headings).
  • Potentially encourages safety practices through possible premium discounts.

• Enforcement

  • Noncompliance is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor with escalating penalties, including substantial fines for repeat offenses.

What this changes about current law

• Introduces a new mandatory liability insurance requirement specifically tied to firearm ownership, with a defined minimum coverage, enforcement penalties, and safety-based premium incentives.
• Creates a defined compliance deadline for existing firearm owners and clarifies exceptions for certain public safety and military personnel.

Effective timeline highlights

• For those who owned firearms on the effective date, insurance must be obtained by February 15, 2027.

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Relevant Terms - firearm - firearm liability insurance - liability insurance - negligent discharge - accidental discharge - death - injury - property damage - minimum coverage - $250,000 per occurrence - insured - policy - premium discounts - safety training - firearm safes - firearm locks - chamber load indicators - misdemeanor - gross misdemeanor - law enforcement - active duty military - official duties - surcharge - Minnesota Statutes - Chapter 65A - Chapter 297I - Firearm Liability Insurance (65A.60F)