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SF 513

Department of Health office of gun violence prevention establishment and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 4 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill creates Department of Health Office of Gun Violence Prevention with state funding to coordinate public health research and prevention initiatives addressing gun injuries and deaths.

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SF 513

Legislative bill overview

SF 513 establishes a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention within Minnesota's Department of Health and provides appropriations to fund its operations. The office would coordinate public health initiatives, research, and programs aimed at reducing gun-related injuries and deaths in the state.

Why is this important

Gun violence represents a significant public health challenge, and this bill treats it as a health department responsibility rather than solely a law enforcement matter. The appropriation enables dedicated staff and resources to develop evidence-based prevention strategies, similar to how states address other public health threats.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Disagreement over whether a health department office should influence gun policy versus focusing purely on health outcomes and prevention education
  • Funding priorities: Questions about whether public health dollars should be allocated to this office versus other health initiatives with different political support
  • Definitional concerns: Debate over what constitutes "gun violence prevention" and whether the office would recommend measures some view as infringing on Second Amendment rights
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Potential friction between this new office and existing law enforcement agencies handling gun-related crimes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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