The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 624.7141, to strengthen the prohibition against transferring certain firearms, specifically pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, to individuals who are ineligible to possess them. The amended language specifies that individuals who have been denied a permit to carry, found ineligible by law enforcement, or disqualified under existing laws cannot receive these types of firearms. Additionally, the bill removes the previous provision that allowed for the transfer of firearms other than pistols or semiautomatic military-style assault weapons to individuals under 18 who are not disqualified from possessing other firearms.

Furthermore, the bill repeals subdivision 4 of section 624.7141, which provided an affirmative defense for individuals who transferred firearms under compulsion from a family or household member. This change eliminates the possibility of using such a defense in cases of illegal firearm transfers. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 624.7141