Minnesota’s Insurance “Data Call” Raises Serious Questions for Gun Owners

Austin Reville
Feb 26
4 min read

A recent communication from the Minnesota Department of Commerce is raising eyebrows across the state — and gun owners should be paying close attention.

Dated February 1, 2026, the document titled “Data Call to Property and Casualty Insurers Writing Business in Minnesota” directs insurance companies to submit detailed policy and claims data involving firearms. The directive stems from Executive Order 25-12 issued by Governor Tim Walz in December 2025.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s Premier Indoor Range and Firearms Store, we believe transparency matters. When government agencies begin collecting firearm-related data through indirect channels, it deserves scrutiny. In this state, there can be no mistake that the purpose for this “data call” is to pursue more Second Amendment infringements.

What the Order Requires

According to the document:

The Department of Commerce is using its statutory authority to require all homeowner insurance companies operating in Minnesota to submit detailed policy and claims data involving firearms.
The information will be used to prepare a report for the Governor and state agencies by October 1, 2026.
The report may include recommendations for potential changes to state law.
Insurer responses are due April 6, 2026.
Data must be submitted at the individual NAIC company code level, not just as broad group summaries.

The document states that responses will be treated as nonpublic data and that any report provided to the Governor will be in aggregated form. However, the scope of the data collection itself is broad and directed specifically at firearms-related policies and claims.

Why This Matters

While this is not explicitly labeled as a gun registry, the mechanism is concerning. When the state compels insurers to provide firearm-related policy and claims data, several questions naturally arise. First, what specific firearm-related details are being requested?

How granular is the data? Could this information indirectly identify firearm-owning households? How might this data be used to justify future legislation? This does not even begin to answer why does the state need this data in the first place?

The document clearly states that the gathered information may lead to “recommendations on potential changes to state law.” That means this data collection effort is not merely academic — it is policy-oriented. Gun owners have seen similar “data first, legislation later” approaches in other states.

The Bigger Privacy Concern

History has shown that government databases involving firearm owners can present serious privacy and security risks. Even when agencies promise confidentiality and aggregation, large-scale data collection creates vulnerability. We have seen data breaches happen. More importantly mission creep is real (meaning the policy bias of banning guns prevents the data from neutrality).

Minnesota gun owners should remember that firearm ownership is a constitutional right — not a regulated privilege to be tracked indirectly through third-party reporting structures. “data calls” are really just code word for governmental registries.

A Pattern We’re Seeing Nationwide

Across the country, we’re seeing creative regulatory approaches that attempt to regulate firearms indirectly by putting on financial institution pressure campaigns Mandating “Industry responsibility” laws that hamper or increase barriers to firearm ownership. Here in Minnesota and other places insurance data mandates are being put forth on gun owners. As well as public health data expansions that serve as a function to promote gun control.

Rather than passing direct bans — which face constitutional challenges under Bruen — some policymakers are exploring regulatory side doors. Whether intentional or not, broad firearm-related data collection efforts can lay the groundwork for expanded oversight and future restrictions.

What Gun Owners Should Do

We are encouraging vigilance. If you are a Minnesota gun owner you must stay informed about how firearm-related data is being defined and collected.

Follow developments as the October 2026 report approaches.
Engage respectfully with your elected representatives.
Support organizations monitoring Second Amendment policy at the state level.

The right to keep and bear arms is protected under both the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 16 of the Minnesota Constitution. Any policy that indirectly compiles data related to lawful firearm ownership deserves careful review.

Our Commitment at 2 If By Sea Tactical

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we take both constitutional rights and privacy seriously. Law-abiding gun ownership and responsible firearm use is something that we stand firm in. We will demand transparent government processes and will always protect personal information.

When state agencies begin collecting firearm-related data — even indirectly — it is appropriate to ask questions. We will continue monitoring this situation and keeping our customers informed. As always stay informed, stay engaged, and stay vigilant.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.