Definition of crime of violence modified for firearms crimes.
Summary
HF2644 amends Minnesota’s definition of “crime of violence” in section 624.712, subdivision 5, which is used in firearms-related laws. The bill updates the list of felony offenses that qualify as crimes of violence, including a wide range of serious offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual conduct crimes, child abuse and neglect, arson, burglary, drive-by shooting, terroristic threats, harassment, and controlled substance offenses. It also continues to include attempts to commit any of the listed offenses.
By revising this definition, the bill affects how Minnesota firearm restrictions and related criminal provisions apply to people with qualifying convictions. Because the term “crime of violence” is used in firearms statutes, the change can influence who is prohibited from possessing firearms, how prior convictions are treated in enforcement and prosecution, and how courts and agencies apply existing gun laws. The bill does not create a new criminal offense; it changes the statutory scope of an existing legal classification.
Impact
The bill would amend Minnesota Statutes section 624.712, subdivision 5, expanding or clarifying the set of felony convictions that count as a “crime of violence” for purposes of firearms laws. This directly affects firearm possession restrictions and other statutes that rely on that definition, potentially broadening the class of individuals subject to firearm-related disabilities or penalties based on prior convictions. It also reinforces that attempts to commit listed offenses are included.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available record suggests a straightforward public-safety-oriented proposal with no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. The bill’s framing indicates an intent to align firearms law with serious violent and drug-related offenses. Because there are no transcripts or vote tallies, no stronger conclusion can be drawn about legislative sentiment beyond the bill’s neutral, technical nature.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. In general, bills like this can raise questions about the breadth of the “crime of violence” definition, especially where the list includes offenses beyond classic violent crimes, such as certain drug offenses, harassment, or theft-related conduct involving firearms or controlled substances. Potential concerns could involve the consequences for firearm rights restoration, proportionality, and whether the definition is overinclusive, but none of those concerns are attributed to any person or group in the record provided.
Policy for theft of public funds, school safety, and emergency vehicles provided; crimes of first-degree murder and impersonating a peace officer modified; new crimes created; firearms policy provided; criminal penalties provided; and money appropriated.