This bill seeks to enhance public safety in Minnesota by prohibiting the possession, transfer, and ownership of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. It introduces new definitions and criteria for these weapons, while removing previous language that allowed exceptions based on their suitability for sporting purposes. Additionally, the bill establishes a certification process for current owners, requiring them to register their ownership with law enforcement and comply with strict storage and inspection regulations. Penalties for violations are categorized as felonies or gross misdemeanors, with certain exceptions for government officials and law enforcement agencies, and it sets an effective date of August 1, 2026, for these regulations.

Furthermore, the bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning firearm possession and transfer, particularly addressing the implications of medical cannabis use. It clarifies that participation in the medical cannabis registry or the use of adult-use cannabis does not disqualify individuals aged 21 and older from possessing firearms. The bill also removes references to semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in several sections, streamlining the application process for transferee permits and the requirements for transferring firearms. It establishes penalties for failing to produce a record of transfer upon law enforcement request and emphasizes that the prohibition on transferring firearms applies to individuals who know or should know that the transferee is ineligible to possess a firearm.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 624.712, 609.66, 624.713, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.7134, 624.7141, 624.7181