This bill seeks to enhance public safety in Minnesota by prohibiting the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. It defines these terms and specifies the firearms that fall under these categories, establishing criminal penalties for unlawful possession and transfer, with exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel. The bill also introduces a certification process for current owners of these weapons, requiring them to request certification from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, comply with storage regulations, and renew their certification every three years. Owners who fail to certify by a specified date must surrender their weapons, render them inoperable, or remove them from the state. The effective dates for various provisions are set for July 1, 2026, and August 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding the possession and transfer of firearms, particularly for individuals under 18, allowing them to possess certain ammunition and firearms under supervision. It removes the requirement for direct parental supervision when carrying specific firearms and clarifies disqualifications for firearm possession related to criminal convictions and mental health commitments. The bill also streamlines the process for applying for transferee permits, eliminates the need for transfer reports for certain firearms, and mandates background checks for transfers conducted by federally licensed dealers. New record-keeping requirements are introduced, ensuring that both transferor and transferee retain copies of transfer records for ten years, with penalties for failing to produce these records upon law enforcement request.

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