Ban the sale, possession, and distribution of AR-15 assault-style rifles within the State of Minnesota.

 

This act serves to reduce gun violence, increase public safety, and protect Minnesota's citizens through the prohibition

of ownership, purchase, sale, and transfer of AR-15 assault-style rifles within state borders.

 

The AR-15 assault-style rifle presents a grave danger in Minnesota due to gun violence already being a major public

safety issue: Minnesota saw 525 gun deaths in 2023, including 128 homicides and 21 among youth. Furthermore, since the

school year 2021-2022, nearly 200 firearms have been taken from Minnesota students, almost triple that of prior years—a

trend indicating heightened jeopardy of in-school gun violence. AR-15-style guns can fire at a high rate and may be

equipped with high-capacity magazines; thus, they are disproportionately deadly in active-shooter situations. The

increasing presence of guns in Minnesota schools, coupled with growing youth and community gun harm, is a serious safety

concern for students, families, and educators. The state needs, finally, to ensure a restriction on AR-15-style rifles,

as this would be a critical step toward preventing mass-casualty events, reducing access to highly dangerous weapons,

and shielding Minnesota communities from tragedy.

 

AR-15 Assault-Style Rifle - An y firearm based upon, similar in mechanical design to, or functions as a semiautomatic

ArmaLite-style rifle that is able to accept detachable magazines.

Possession: having physical custody, control, or stored access to the firearm.

Transfer means any sale, trade, gift, inheritance, or other disposition of the firearm to another person or entity.

Authorized Personnel – Sworn law enforcement officers and active military personnel acting solely in their official

capacity.

 

 

Funding for enforcement and voluntary buy-back programs shall be provided through allocations from the Minnesota State

Legislature, supplemented by federal grants and public safety funds where applicable.

 

 

Possession of an AR-15 assault-style rifle is illegal and will be punished by a fine of up to $15,000 and/or 7 years in

prison.

Illegal selling, distribution, or transfer carry a penalty of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 years.

Minnesota law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigation, enforcement, confiscation, and prosecution in

accordance with state law.

A 120-day post-enactment grace period permitting surrender, registration for an out-of-state transfer, or buy-back

participation would be without penalty.

 

 

This Act shall take effect January 1st following passage and approval by the State Legislature and Governor of

Minnesota.