Possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines banned.
HF3402 would create a new Minnesota law banning the manufacture, import, transfer, ownership, and possession of “large-capacity magazines,” defined as ammunition-feeding devices that hold more than ten rounds, including certain conversion kits or parts that can be assembled into such a device. The bill exempts certain government and military personnel acting within the scope of their duties, and it also allows licensed manufacturers and dealers to produce or transfer these magazines to the armed forces or Minnesota law enforcement under specified conditions.
The bill also adds a new statutory definition to Minnesota law and sets out a felony penalty for violations, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. It includes a one-year grace period for people who already possess these magazines before the effective date, requiring them to surrender, disable, permanently modify, or remove the devices from Minnesota by July 1, 2027. Magazines acquired through inheritance, bequest, or succession must be addressed within 120 days.
In terms of state law, HF3402 would significantly expand Minnesota’s firearms regulations by creating a categorical prohibition on large-capacity magazines and establishing enforcement, exceptions, and disposal requirements. It would amend Minnesota Statutes section 624.712 and add a new section in chapter 624, making the possession and transfer restrictions part of the state’s criminal code.
Based on the materials provided, there is no recorded committee testimony or vote history to indicate broad support or opposition, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from debate. The bill’s structure suggests a public-safety rationale, but the absence of discussion records means no specific arguments for or against the measure are documented here. The main point of contention inherent in the bill is likely the scope of the ban itself, especially the criminalization of possession and the requirement that current owners dispose of or modify lawfully acquired magazines.
HF3402 would add a new prohibition in Minnesota law against manufacturing, importing, transferring, owning, or possessing large-capacity ammunition magazines, while also defining the term in statute. It would create felony penalties for violations, establish limited exceptions for military, law enforcement, and certain licensed commercial transfers, and require existing owners to dispose of, alter, or remove covered magazines within a transition period. The bill would therefore affect gun owners, dealers, manufacturers, law enforcement agencies, and persons who inherit such devices.
No committee transcripts or vote records were provided, so there is no documented legislative debate to gauge support or opposition. The bill’s caption and text indicate a public-safety-oriented approach, but the available record does not show whether lawmakers or stakeholders expressed approval, concern, or compromise positions. As a result, the sentiment can only be characterized as unknown from the provided materials.
The principal likely point of contention is the bill’s broad ban on possession and transfer of magazines holding more than ten rounds, including the felony penalty for violations. Gun rights advocates would likely object to the restriction as burdensome to lawful owners and collectors, while public-safety supporters would likely argue it reduces firearm lethality and mass-shooting risk. Additional friction may arise over the required surrender or modification of existing magazines, the treatment of inherited property, and the limited exceptions for law enforcement and military use.