HF4081 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- Establish a prohibition on possession, transfer, or sale of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota and create penalties for violations. The bill also creates a certification process for current owners, sets storage and handling requirements, and introduces new data privacy rules related to these weapons.
Key definitions and scope
- Semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon (SMAW): a broad category defined by listing specific firearm models (e.g., AK-47-type, AR-15-type, Uzi, MAC-10/11, TEC9, SIG 550/551, Steyr AUG, Street Sweeper, USAS12, and others with similar action designs or features) plus any firearm with certain features that make it similar to those listed (e.g., detachable magazine, pistol grip, folding or telescoping stock, shroud, flash suppressor, or threaded barrel). The definition also covers firearms produced under licensing agreements to closely resemble listed models.
- The bill also describes what does not count as an SMAW (e.g., certain weapons permanently made inoperable).
Main provisions
- Prohibition (transfer, possession, and ownership): It is unlawful to transfer, own, or possess an SMAW.
- Exceptions:
- Government officers, federal armed forces, or peace officers acting within their duties.
- Manufacture of SMAWs by licensed manufacturers for the U.S. military or Minnesota law enforcement use.
- Licensed dealers transferring to U.S. armed forces or Minnesota law enforcement for use by those agencies (with limits on how long the weapon can be in possession before delivery).
- Certification of ownership for current owners:
- People who legally owned or possessed an SMAW before January 1, 2027 must request certification by May 1, 2027.
- The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) issues a certificate and sends copies to the owner and to the relevant law enforcement agency.
- Renew the certification every three years; maintain secure storage; report any loss or theft within 48 hours.
- Inherited SMAWs must be surrendered for destruction, modified to be permanently inoperable, or removed from the state within 120 days of acquisition.
- People who fail to certify (by the deadline) must surrender, modify to permanently render inoperable, or remove from the state by January 1, 2027.
- Storage, handling, and regulation:
- The BCA must adopt rules for safe storage and implement the certification system.
- Individuals must store SMAWs securely when not in use, and may only possess them on property they own or control, at licensed firing ranges, or while transporting in compliance with law.
- Transfers and destruction:
- SMAWs can only be transferred to appropriate law enforcement for surrender/destruction.
- Inheritance or succession transfers require surrender, modification, or removal within specified timeframes.
- Penalties:
- Violations of the core prohibition or certification requirements are felonies with up to five years in prison or a fine up to $25,000 (or both).
- Other specified violations are gross misdemeanors; repeat violations can result in felony charges.
- Data privacy:
- Personal data involved in implementing these provisions is classified as private data on individuals.
Significant changes to existing law
- Creates a new prohibition on possession and transfer of SMAWs and adds a comprehensive certification regime for current owners.
- Establishes a defined process for safe storage, periodic renewal, and reporting requirements.
- Introduces timelines for surrender, destruction, or removal for inherited SMAWs and for non-certifying owners.
- Expands penalties for violations and adds data privacy protections related to enforcement.
Implementation and enforcement
- Enforcement would involve law enforcement agencies (including municipal police and county sheriffs) and the BCA.
- The BCA would issue ownership certifications, maintain records, and provide copies to owners and law enforcement.
- Regulation would require new rules for safe storage and a formal certification system.
Potential impacts (summary)
- Reduces public access to SMAWs by prohibiting possession and limiting transfers.
- Creates a defined path for former owners to register (certify), store securely, and renew protections.
- Imposes new costs and compliance steps on owners, dealers, and law enforcement.
- Adds data privacy protections for information collected in the certification process.
Relevant Terms - semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon - possession prohibition - transfer/sale/ownership - certification of ownership - Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) - appropriate law enforcement agency - storage and secure storage - detachable magazine - magazine capacity (more than ten rounds) - pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock - shroud, flash suppressor, threaded barrel - specific firearm models (e.g., AK-47-type, AR-15-type, Uzi, MAC-10/11, TEC9, SIG 550/551, Steyr AUG) - destruction or permanent inoperability - inheritance/succession - surrender to law enforcement - 120-day transfer window - penalties: felony, gross misdemeanor - certification deadline (May 1, 2027) and 3-year renewals - safe storage requirements - private data on individuals (data practices)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Upcoming committee meetings
- Judiciary Finance and Civil Law on: March 17, 2026 10:15
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
Citations
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"Defines the term 'Semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon' with enumerated firearms and features."
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]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee