SF278

SF278 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Noncitizen permit to carry applicants background check information scope expansion provision

Related bill: HF284

AI Generated Summary

The bill SF No 278 proposes to enhance the process for non-citizen applicants seeking a permit to carry firearms in Minnesota. This bill aims to extend the information required on the application form and broaden the scope of background checks for these applicants. The main points include:

Mandatory collection of additional details for non-citizen applicants, such as the country of birth and alien number or admission number.
Introduction of a requirement where the sheriff must conduct an Immigration Alien Query (IAQ) check along with other standard background checks using state, federal, and local systems to assess an applicant’s eligibility.
Ongoing assessments where the sheriff must perform annual background re-checks on permit holders to ensure they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Ensuring that all required application elements are standardized and limited to only what is necessary, preventing any extraneous data collection or costs to the applicant.

The goal of the bill is to improve public safety by ensuring a more thorough vetting process for non-citizens who desire to carry firearms while streamlining the application process itself.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A statement from the applicant must comply with Code of Federal Regulations title 42 sections 231 to 235 regarding consent to disclosure of patient records."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous redundant or obsolete application requirements were removed."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the process and requirements for applications for permits to carry firearms under section 624.714.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the exclusive set of documents required for permit applications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.714",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for IAQ check for non-U.S. citizens."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section outlines the investigation procedures for firearm permit applications.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the obligations of the sheriff to conduct yearly or additional background checks."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.714",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies the usage of local and other state statutes for obtaining similar information if applicable."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section pertains to obtaining commitment information for firearm permit eligibility checks.",
      "modified": [
        "Affirms the sheriff's responsibility to obtain commitment data for applicants and permit holders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "246.15",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]