HF2449

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to enhance public safety by prohibiting the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota. It aims to reduce the prevalence of these types of weapons and offers a system for the government to buy them back from current owners.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Assault Weapons: The bill details a specific set of firearms classified as semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. This includes adjustments to existing definitions under Minnesota law to encompass a variety of rifle, pistol, and shotgun types, focusing on features like detachable magazines, pistol grips, and folding stocks.

• Transfer Ban: It is illegal for any person to transfer these classified firearms within Minnesota. The term "transfer" includes sales, gifts, loans, or any form of delivery to another person.

• Exceptions: The transfer ban does not apply in certain situations, such as within government or law enforcement agencies, or to federal military branches for official use.

• Penalties: Violating the transfer ban is a felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

• Buyback Program: The bill authorizes the establishment of a program where the government may purchase semiautomatic military-style assault weapons from citizens.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends existing statutes to introduce a broader definition of what constitutes a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon and tightens restrictions on their transfer.
• It introduces penalties for the illegal transfer of these firearms and establishes a framework for a firearms buyback program, which is a new provision aiming to reduce the number of these weapons in circulation.

Relevant Terms

semiautomatic military-style assault weapon, transfer ban, firearm buyback program, felony penalty, assault weapon features, law enforcement exceptions, public safety enhancement.