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Bill

HF 4820

Individuals who own firearms required to obtain and maintain liability insurance required, criminal penalties imposed, and firearm liability insurance surcharge imposed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Acomb and 4 co-sponsors

Minnesota would require firearm owners to carry at least $250,000 of liability insurance starting Jan 1, 2027, with a surcharge funding a Gun Harm Reduction Account.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
#commercedepartment #insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4820

Summary: HF 4820 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Aims to require firearm owners to obtain and maintain firearm liability insurance, establish a state surcharge on such insurance, and create a funding stream for gun harm reduction programs. The bill sets penalties for noncompliance and outlines basic policy design elements.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • To require individuals who own firearms to carry liability insurance specifically covering damages from negligent or accidental firearm discharge.
  • To fund gun harm reduction efforts through a state surcharge on firearm liability insurance.
  • To establish penalties for failing to obtain or maintain the required insurance.
  • To create a framework for insurance providers and policyholders related to firearm liability.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Firearm Liability Insurance (new Minnesota Statutes § 65A.60)

  • Definition and scope
    • Introduces the concept of “firearm liability insurance” covering damages resulting from negligent or accidental discharge of a firearm.
    • Insurer’s liability is for the insured’s legal damages related to such discharge.
  • Mandatory coverage for firearm owners
    • Any individual who owns a firearm must obtain and continuously maintain a firearm liability insurance policy.
  • Existing owners deadline
    • Individuals who own a firearm on the effective date must obtain the mandated insurance by February 15, 2027.
  • Minimum coverage
    • Each policy must provide liability coverage of at least $250,000 per occurrence (exclusive of interest and costs) for each firearm covered.
  • Safety training and discounts
    • Policies may offer premium discounts for:
    • Completion of certified safety training.
    • Use of firearm safes, locks, or chamber load indicators.
    • Other recognized safety measures.
  • Criminal penalties for noncompliance
    • First violation: Misdemeanor.
    • Second or subsequent violation: Gross misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $1,000 if previously convicted two or more times.
  • Exceptions
    • The requirement does not apply to law enforcement and active duty military personnel acting in the course of official duties.
  • Effective date
    • The firearm liability insurance requirement becomes effective January 1, 2027.

B. Firearm Liability Insurance Surcharge (Minnesota Statutes § 297I.12)

  • Surcharge on insurers
    • Licensed insurers writing firearm liability insurance must collect a surcharge equal to a specified percentage of gross premiums and assessments (excluding return premiums) on direct business for firearm liability policies in Minnesota.
  • Separate disclosure
    • The surcharge must be separately stated on billing or policy declarations to insureds.
  • Use of funds
    • Revenues collected under the surcharge are deposited into the Gun Harm Reduction Account (see below).
  • Effective date
    • The surcharge and related provisions take effect January 1, 2027.

C. Gun Harm Reduction Account (new in § 297I.12)

  • Account purpose and funding
    • Establishes the Gun Harm Reduction Account in the state’s special revenue fund.
    • Fund consists of proceeds from the firearm liability insurance surcharge.
  • Use of funds
    • Revenue is designated for gun harm reduction initiatives (the bill text does not detail specific program expenditures beyond the account creation).

3) Affected Parties

  • Gun owners in Minnesota: Required to obtain and maintain firearm liability insurance (minimum $250,000 per occurrence) starting January 1, 2027; those who own firearms on the date of enactment have until February 15, 2027, to secure coverage.
  • Insurance providers: Must issue firearm liability insurance policies meeting the bill’s requirements and collect the new surcharge; must disclose the surcharge on policy documents.
  • Insured individuals: Will see a new line item on bills indicating the firearm liability insurance surcharge.
  • Law enforcement and active duty military personnel: Exempt from the insurance requirement when acting in official duties.

4) Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Effective dates
    • January 1, 2027: Insurance requirement and surcharge take effect.
    • February 15, 2027: Deadline for existing firearm owners to secure required insurance.
  • Penalties
    • Violations trigger misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor penalties, with a higher minimum fine on repeated violations.
  • Implementation considerations
    • Establishment and administration of the Gun Harm Reduction Account to fund related initiatives.
    • Administrative rules and insurer compliance processes would need to be developed to implement the new surcharges and policy disclosures.

This summary presents the bill’s core structure and implications without expressing a policy stance. If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current Minnesota law or a section-by-section excerpted reader-friendly version.

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

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