HF2644

Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to modify the definition of "crime of violence" in relation to firearms crimes in Minnesota. This is important for determining which felony convictions restrict a person’s ability to legally own or handle firearms.

Main Provisions

• The bill updates the list of offenses considered as "crimes of violence" under Minnesota Statutes.
• This list is significant because conviction of any of these offenses results in restrictions on firearm ownership.
• The specified offenses include murder, manslaughter, aiding suicide, various degrees of assault, domestic assault, gang-related crimes, robbery, kidnapping, sex trafficking, and multiple forms of criminal sexual conduct.
• Other offenses include malicious punishment of a child, neglect, crimes involving firearms or dangerous weapons, arson, burglary, drive-by shootings, illegal possession of certain firearms, riot, terroristic threats, harassment, and drug-related crimes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill does not introduce new crimes but clarifies and updates the existing statute by detailing which offenses are classified as "crimes of violence" impacting firearms laws.

Relevant Terms

crime of violence, firearms, felony conviction, murder, manslaughter, assault, domestic assault, robbery, kidnapping, sex trafficking, sexual conduct, child endangerment, arson, burglary, drive-by shooting, machine gun, shotgun, riot, terroristic threats, harassment, drugs, controlled substances.