Minnesota House Bill HF815

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Person who steals a firearm required to report the theft promptly to law enforcement, and money appropriated.

Impact

If enacted, HF815 would significantly impact existing public safety laws in Minnesota, particularly around firearm theft and reporting. This legislation would create a new duty for individuals who commit the crime of theft of firearms, moving beyond individual accountability to a broader societal responsibility for dealing with stolen firearms. The introduction of fines and misdemeanors for failing to report stolen firearms aims to encourage accountability and active participation from the public in combating gun crimes.

Summary

House File 815 (HF815) is a legislative proposal designed to address firearm thefts in the state of Minnesota. The bill mandates that individuals who steal a firearm are required to report the theft to the law enforcement agency in their jurisdiction as soon as practicable, but not later than 48 hours following the theft. This timely reporting is intended to assist law enforcement in recovering stolen firearms and reducing the overall occurrence of firearm-related crimes. The bill also includes enforcement mechanisms with specific penalties for non-compliance, which escalate with repeated violations.

Contention

The requirement imposed by HF815 does bring up questions regarding practicality and enforcement. Critics may argue that requiring prompt reporting of gun theft could place an undue burden on individuals, particularly if they are not aware of the need to report or if they encounter barriers in contacting law enforcement. Furthermore, there may be concerns among advocacy groups regarding privacy rights, as mandatory reporting could lead to increased scrutiny of individuals, especially in low-income or marginalized communities. Balancing public safety needs with individual rights will likely be a point of contention as the bill moves through the legislative process.