Sale or transfer of a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon prohibition
SF1596 would prohibit the sale or other transfer of a “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon” in Minnesota, and it defines that term broadly. The bill lists specific firearm models, then expands the definition to cover firearms with certain military-style features such as detachable magazines, pistol grips, folding or telescoping stocks, barrel shrouds, high-capacity fixed magazines, revolving-cylinder shotguns, and conversion kits or parts that can be assembled into an assault weapon. It also excludes firearms that are permanently inoperable and preserves an exception for firearms generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes under federal law.
The bill creates a new criminal offense for transferring such weapons, defining transfer to include sales, gifts, loans, assignments, or other deliveries. Violations would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both, with exceptions for transfers involving government personnel, armed forces members, peace officers, and licensed dealers supplying military or law enforcement agencies. The bill also directs the commissioner of public safety to establish a statewide buyback program to purchase these weapons and appropriates general fund money for that purpose, though the specific dollar amounts are left blank in the introduced text.
If enacted, the bill would amend Minnesota Statutes section 624.712 and add a new section in chapter 624 to ban private transfers of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. It would also create a felony penalty for prohibited transfers, establish a state-administered buyback program, and require the revisor of statutes to conform related statutory language. The measure would directly affect firearm owners, dealers, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Public Safety, while leaving narrow exceptions for official government and law enforcement use.
The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, but there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes included here. Based on the bill’s subject matter and structure, it appears to be a gun-control measure intended to reduce circulation of assault-style firearms through prohibition and buyback, but the provided materials do not show formal support or opposition from legislators in discussion. As a result, the documented sentiment is limited to the bill’s policy direction rather than any recorded debate.
The main points of contention are likely to be the breadth of the definition of “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon,” the criminalization of transfers that include gifts and loans, and the severity of the felony penalty. Another likely issue is the buyback program’s cost and implementation, since the bill requires statewide collection and reimbursement but leaves the appropriation amounts blank in the introduced text. The exceptions for government, military, and law enforcement transfers may also be debated, especially by opponents who may argue the bill is overinclusive or difficult to enforce, and by supporters who may view those exceptions as necessary and limited.