This bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for the unlawful transfer of firearms to unauthorized individuals. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 624.7141, by raising the maximum imprisonment for transferring a firearm to an ineligible person from two years to three years and increasing the potential fine from $10,000 to $20,000. Additionally, it establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for individuals convicted under this section if the transferee uses the weapon in furtherance of a felony crime of violence within one year of the transfer.

Furthermore, the bill removes an affirmative defense previously available to defendants who could prove they were coerced into the transfer by a family or household member. This change is reflected in the repeal of subdivision 4 of section 624.7141, which outlined the conditions under which this defense could be claimed. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 624.7141