ban the transfer and possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines

 

The purpose of this bill is to address calls for statewide reform following the mass shooting at the Annunciation

Catholic Church of August of 2025 by:

a) Banning the transfer and posession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons

b) Banning the transfer and possession of high capacity magazines

 

Gun violence in Minnesota recently reached a national spotlight when a mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic

Church during late August of 2025. During the shooting, two children were shot and killed, and dozens more were injured,

including 26 schoolchildren and three adults. According to a reputable poll, 60% of Minnesota voters believe that the

legislature should take immediate action to ban assault weapons, with a 61% majority supporting a state-level ban on

assault weapons, and 64% supporting banning high-capacity magazines. This bill serves both purposes, and serves as a

primary way of addressing the growing issue of mass gun violence in schools, which 88% of Minnesotans are concerned

about. Additionally, gun violence costs Minnesotans an estimated $6.6 billion dollars each year, including $105.5

million paid by taxpayers.

 

“Semiautomatic military-style assault weapon” is defined according to Minn. Stat. § 624.712, subd. 7 (2025).

“Firearms dealer” is defined as any person who is federally licensed to sell firearms from any location.

“Large-capacity magazine” is defined as any magazine, an ammunition-feeding device, with a capacity greater than 10

rounds.

“Sale” is defined as any transfer of ownership for value.

“Firearm” is defined as a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of

any explosion or force of combustion.

“Transfer” means any sale, gift, loan, assignment, or other disposition, whether or not value is exchanged.

“Possess” means to knowingly have physical control over an item, either directly or through another person.

 

None required.

 

I) A person is guilty of unlawful transfer of a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon who knowingly manufactures,

imports, offers for transfer, sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon or

a large-capacity magazine within this state. It is unlawful to possess a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon or

large-capacity magazine after the effective date.

a) Penalties. A violation of section I is a felony punishable by imprisonment for no more than five years, a fine of not

more than $30,000, or both.

b) Aggravated penalties. Aggravated violations, such as (1) a transfer to a person prohibited from possessing firearms

under state or federal law, or (2) as a part of a pattern involving two or more unlawful transfers within a two year

period, is punishable by imprisonment for no more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $60,000, or both.

c) Dealer license revocation. A federally licensed firearms dealer who violates section I is subject to revocation of

any state-issued dealer license or permit and is ineligible to obtain a new state firearms business license for a period

of ten years.

d) Disgorgement of profits. The attorney general or Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) may bring a civil action for

disgorgement of profits derived from a violation of section I.

e) Forfeiture. Any firearm, magazine, transfer or sale record, inventory, or the proceeds derived from a transfer are

subject to seizure and forfeiture under Minn. Stat. § 609.531 - 609.5318 (2025).

f) Grandfather clause. Individuals who were in legal possession of a weapon prohibited by this bill before the effective

date may keep it if the weapon is registered through the state before the effective date of this bill.

II) A person is guilty of unlawful possession of a large-capacity magazine if they are found in possession of one.

Individuals in possession of a large-capacity magazine are advised to remove the magazine from the state or surrender it

to law enforcement.

a) Penalties. A violation of section II is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days, a fine of not more than $1,000, or

both.

b) Aggravated penalties. If a secondary offense is a part of a pattern involving a previous violation of section II

within a one year period, it is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than a year, a fine of not

more than $3,000, or both.

III) Sections I and II do not apply to: (1) peace officers, federal law enforcement officers, state patrol officers,

sheriffs and their deputies, or correctional employees (2) the United States Armed Forces or National Guard acting under

federal or state orders; (3) accredited crime or forensic laboratories, courts, or evidence custodians handling firearms

in connection with an official proceeding; (4) federally licensed firearms manufacturers, importers, dealers, or

gunsmiths, and common carriers transporting firearms in compliance with federal law; (5) contractors or vendors acting

under written agreement with a state or federal agency for the repair, testing, storage, or destruction of firearms; and

(6) accredited museums possessing firearms for lawful display.

IV) The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shall establish a registration system for grandfathered semiautomatic

military-style assault weapons. Registration will remain open for 180 days after enactment. Additionally, the bureau

shall establish a statewide tip-and-report system allowing anonymous reporting of suspected unlawful possession or

transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons or large-capacity magazines.

 

August 1st, 2026