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SF1596 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Sale or transfer of a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon prohibition

Related bill: HF2449

AI Generated Summary

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1596, relates to public safety and aims to prohibit the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons while also establishing a buyback program for these firearms.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  1. Definition of Semiautomatic Military-Style Assault Weapons:

    • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 624.712, Subdivision 7, to define semiautomatic military-style assault weapons based on specific models (e.g., AK-47, AR-15, Uzi, and others).
    • It includes any firearm that is a variant or renamed version of these models.
    • Certain firearm configurations, including those with detachable magazines, pistol grips, folding stocks, or other specific modifications, are also covered under this definition.

  2. Prohibition on Transfers (New Section 624.7145):

    • The transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons—including sale, gift, loan, or assignment—is banned.
    • Exceptions apply to:
      • Government officials, peace officers, or armed forces members for official use.
      • Licensed firearms dealers selling to the U.S. Armed Forces or law enforcement agencies.

  3. Penalties for Violations:

    • Anyone transferring a prohibited semiautomatic military-style assault weapon illegally will face a felony charge, with potential penalties of:
      • Up to 5 years in prison or
      • A fine of up to $25,000, or both.

  4. Authorization of a Buyback Program:

    • The bill mandates the creation of a buyback program to allow individuals to sell back these firearms to the state.
    • Specific details on funding and procedures for this program would be established later.

Impact of the Bill:

  • This legislation seeks to reduce access to semiautomatic assault weapons, which are often associated with mass shootings and gun violence.
  • It aligns with efforts to increase public safety by limiting the availability of high-capacity firearms.
  • The buyback program may serve as an incentive for voluntary compliance.

Would you like a further breakdown or clarification on any section?

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of features that categorize a firearm as a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons under section 624.712, subdivision 7.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the list of firearm types considered as semiautomatic military-style assault weapons."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.712"
  }
]

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