Minnesota Sheriffs Push Back on Proposed State Gun Storage Law
Date: June 2025
Several county sheriffs across Greater Minnesota are publicly opposing a proposed mandatory firearm storage law expected to be reintroduced in the 2026 legislative session. While the bill stalled earlier this year, it’s gaining traction again with support from metro-area DFL lawmakers.
🔒 What the Proposed Law Would Do
- Require all firearms to be stored locked and unloaded when not in use.
- Make violations a gross misdemeanor if a child gains access or the gun is used in a crime.
- Backed by supporters as a way to reduce accidental shootings and teen suicides.
🚔 Sheriffs Respond
Sheriffs from multiple counties, including Meeker County (Sheriff Brian Cruze) and Clay County (Sheriff Mark Empting), voiced strong objections during a June 8 press roundtable hosted by the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association in Alexandria.
“We will not support laws that punish rural families who store their guns in a way that makes sense for them.”
They argue that the law:
- Threatens the right to armed self-defense inside the home.
- Is unenforceable without infringing on personal privacy.
- Criminalizes responsible gun owners instead of targeting criminals.
🏛️ Political Implications
This bill is shaping up to be a major issue heading into the 2026 state elections, potentially dividing urban legislators and rural law enforcement. Supporters say it mirrors gun storage laws in places like California and Oregon — though similar laws have faced legal challenges in federal courts.
Source: Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, June 2025