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SF1874 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Shooting ranges closure during the state of emergency prohibition provision

Related bill: HF1421

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 1874, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 624.7192, to prohibit the closure of shooting ranges during a state of emergency.

Key Provisions:

  1. Law Enforcement Restrictions:

    • A peace officer may temporarily disarm a lawfully detained individual if necessary for immediate safety.
    • Before releasing the individual, the officer must return any seized firearms, ammunition, and related equipment unless:
      • The individual is taken into custody for criminal activity.
      • The items are seized as evidence for a crime.

  2. Prohibition on Government Actions Against Firearms:

    • During a state of emergency, no government entity, official, or law enforcement officer may:
      1. Prohibit, regulate, or curtail the lawful possession, carrying, or use of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories.
      2. Seize, commandeer, or confiscate firearms or related items, except as expressly permitted.
      3. Suspend or revoke valid firearm permits unless explicitly permitted by law.
      4. Close or limit operating hours of businesses (including shooting ranges) providing firearm sales, servicing, or training—unless such restrictions apply equally to all commerce.

  3. Legal Recourse for Violations:

    • Individuals affected by violations of this section can seek legal remedies, including:
      • Damages, injunctive relief, or other forms of redress in court.
      • Immediate return of seized firearms and related items.
    • Courts must award reasonable attorney fees and court costs to prevailing plaintiffs enforcing this law.

This bill ensures that gun stores, shooting ranges, and firearm training facilities cannot be forcibly closed during a government-declared emergency unless all commerce is equally restricted.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that shooting ranges cannot be closed during a state of emergency unless all commerce is uniformly affected."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removals identified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill addresses the authority to seize and confiscate firearms under section 624.7192 during a state of emergency.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines limitations on closure of businesses that provide training or sell firearms during emergencies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.7192"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "No new additions specifically related to 253B.05."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No sections removed specifically related to 253B.05."
      ],
      "summary": "References situations where an individual can be held for observation.",
      "modified": [
        "Contextual application in conjunction with firearms confiscation provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "253B.05, subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exceptions for suspension or revocation of permits only as explicitly mentioned."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removals identified."
      ],
      "summary": "Concerns the issuance of firearm permits under section 624.7131 and the impact during emergencies.",
      "modified": [
        "Stipulates that permit suspension or revocation not authorized under emergency provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.7131"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies permit rights during declared emergencies."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removals identified."
      ],
      "summary": "Relates to permit issuance and carrying of firearms under section 624.714, particularly concerning emergency conditions.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds guidance on maintaining permit rights during emergencies, ensuring non-discriminatory treatment."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.714"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Emphasizes non-contravention with existing emergency management laws."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removals identified."
      ],
      "summary": "References emergency management powers and guidelines under chapters 9 and 12 of Minnesota Statutes.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the scope and application during emergency declarations to avoid firearm rights infringement."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "chapters 9 and 12"
  }
]

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