Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF15

Introduced
1/4/23  
Refer
1/4/23  
Refer
2/6/23  

Caption

Law enforcement and family members enabled to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm, and money appropriated.

Impact

If enacted, HF15 would amend existing Minnesota statutes related to firearm possession, particularly targeting individuals who present a risk of harm. The bill would establish a legal framework for the temporary confiscation of firearms from individuals identified as dangerous, and it would require appropriate law enforcement actions to be taken upon issuance of protection orders. The legislation is designed to provide a safeguard against potential gun violence and suicides, while simultaneously addressing the role of mental health in firearm access.

Summary

House File 15 aims to enhance public safety by enabling law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prohibit individuals from possessing firearms if they are deemed a significant danger to themselves or others. This bill introduces procedures for the issuance of extreme risk protection orders, which can be sought under specified circumstances. The court procedures include mechanisms for both emergency and standard protection orders, allowing for an immediate response to threats posed by individuals who exhibit violent behavior or severe mental health issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF15 appears polarized. Supporters argue that the bill is a critical step towards preventing gun violence and enhancing community safety, while critics express concerns about potential overreach and the infringement on Second Amendment rights. The discussion emphasizes the need to balance public safety with individual rights, particularly in contexts dealing with mental health and firearm regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HF15 include the definitions and criteria for determining an individual's risk and the implications of court-imposed restrictions on firearm possession. Opponents of the bill raise concerns about the possible misuse of the petitioning process, emphasizing the importance of procedural safeguards to prevent arbitrary removals of firearm rights. Balancing immediate public safety concerns with the rights of individuals accused of posing a threat remains a central issue in the debate over this legislation.

Companion Bills

MN SF1117

Similar To Law enforcement and family members permission to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm

Previously Filed As

MN SF1117

Law enforcement and family members permission to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm

MN SF1187

Law enforcement and family members petitioning of a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm authorization and appropriation

MN SF1185

Law enforcement and family members petitioning of a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm authorization and appropriation

MN SF4312

Standards for the safe storage of firearms and criminal penalties for failing to meet these standards establishment; appropriating money

MN HF396

Safe storage of firearms and ammunition required, violation of safe storage statute included as ineligibility to possess firearm, locking device required to be included in each firearm transfer, and criminal penalties imposed.

MN HF4300

Firearm safe storage standards established and criminal penalties provided for failing to meet those standards, and money appropriated.

MN HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

MN SB1274

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

MN SB7

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

MN SB5

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

MN SF1117

Law enforcement and family members permission to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm

MN SF1187

Law enforcement and family members petitioning of a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm authorization and appropriation

MN SF1185

Law enforcement and family members petitioning of a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by possessing a firearm authorization and appropriation

MN SF2909

Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety appropriations

MN HF2890

Public safety finance and policy bill.

MN SF4271

Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety policy bill

MN SF4120

Custodian of a petitioner's minor children notice of any order of protection, hearing on an order for protection, and cancellation or modification of an order of protection requirement

MN HF4101

Custodian of a petitioner's minor children required to receive notice of any order for protection, hearing on an order for protection, and cancellation or modification of an order for protection.