HF4743

Purpose

The bill aims to curb exposure to toxic ammunition by prohibiting the sale and possession of lead-based ammunition and by setting rules for shooting ranges to use only non-toxic ammunition. It seeks to reduce environmental lead contamination and promote public safety.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on lead ammunition:

  • The bill states a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition, addressing “toxic ammunition.”
  • It would apply to general sale and possession, aligning with the bill’s stated purpose to prohibit sale and possession of toxic ammunition.

• Shooting range requirements:

  • The shooting range performance standards must include a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition.
  • To be compliant, shooting ranges must only allow possession and use of non-toxic ammunition.
  • An exception exists for peace officers or other government officials or employees when performing a duty required by law (they may use lead ammunition under specified circumstances).

• Best practices framework:

  • The bill references the National Rifle Association’s Range Source Book (November 1999, revised edition) as the baseline for “best practices” in shooting range planning, construction, and performance standards.

• Legislative updates:

  • The bill would amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 sections 87A.02 subdivision 2, 87A.10, and 97A.045 by adding a subdivision.
  • It would add codified provisions in Minnesota Statutes chapters 325F and 624.1.6 to implement these changes.

Notable Changes to Law

• Introduction of a lead (toxic) ammunition prohibition at shooting ranges and a mandate that ranges use non-toxic ammunition.
• Creation of a new subdivision within the statute and incorporation into additional chapters (325F and 624.1.6) to enforce and regulate these provisions.
• Formal reference to a recognized standards publication (NRA Range Source Book) as the basis for best practices.

Implementation and Compliance

• Compliance is tied to the “best practices” framework, with the NRA Range Source Book identified as a guiding resource.
• Shooting ranges must enforce non-toxic ammunition usage to meet the performance standards, with limited exceptions for certain law enforcement or government personnel performing official duties.

Potential Impacts

• Environmental and public health: Reduced lead exposure and environmental contamination from ammunition.
• Public safety and law enforcement: Clear exemptions for officers performing lawful duties.
• Operational considerations: Shooting ranges and vendors may need to switch to non-toxic ammunition and adjust facilities to comply with new standards.

Effective Date (Note)

• The excerpt does not specify an effective date; any effective date would be determined in the final enacted text.

Relevant Terms lead ammunition; lead-based ammunition; non-toxic ammunition; non-lead ammunition; shooting range performance standards; best practices; NRA Range Source Book; November 1999 Range Source Book; precision standards; lead exposure; environmental lead contamination; peace officers; government officials; duty required by law; Minnesota Statutes 2024; sections 87A.02 subdivision 2; 87A.10; 97A.045; Minnesota Statutes chapters 325F; 624.1.6