This 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 a person can face a sentence of imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000 if they intentionally transfer these types of firearms to a transferee who has been denied a permit to carry, found ineligible by law enforcement, or disqualified under existing statutes. The bill also clarifies that the previous provision allowing for the transfer of other firearms to individuals under 18 who are not disqualified is no longer applicable.

Additionally, 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 removes the legal protection that allowed defendants to argue they were coerced into the transfer due to threats of substantial bodily harm or death. 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