SF5143

Purpose

• This bill aims to protect public safety by prohibiting the sale and possession of toxic ammunition, with a focus on lead ammunition. It also seeks to update shooting range standards to require non-toxic ammunition and to incorporate recognized best practices for shooting ranges.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on toxic ammunition: The bill would ban the sale and possession of toxic ammunition statewide.
• Shooting range standards: The bill requires shooting ranges to follow performance standards that reference best practices from the National Rifle Association Range Source Book: A Guide to Planning and Construction.
• Non-toxic ammunition requirement: To operate in compliance with these standards, shooting ranges must only allow possession and use of non-toxic ammunition.
• Exceptions for certain personnel: The non-toxic requirement at ranges would not apply to peace officers or other government officials or employees when performing a duty required by law.
• Legislative changes: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add these requirements and to codify the new rules, including filing updates to sections 87A.02 subdivision 2, 87A.10, and 97A.045, and adding new subdivisions along with codification in chapters 325F and 624.1.6.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a statewide prohibition on toxic (lead) ammunition for sale and possession.
• Establishes non-toxic ammunition as the required standard for shooting ranges.
• Integrates the NRA Range Source Book as the basis for shooting range performance standards.
• Creates new subdivisions and codifies these rules in multiple Minnesota Statutes chapters.

Implementation Notes

• The changes would affect shooting ranges by requiring compliance with non-toxic ammunition use and by adhering to the specified best practices.
• Enforcement details and any further exceptions or exemptions would be determined by the final text of the statute and implementing rules.

Relevant Terms - toxic ammunition - lead ammunition - non-toxic ammunition - shooting range performance standards - best practices - National Rifle Association Range Source Book - A Guide to Planning and Construction - peace officers - government officials or employees - performing a duty required by law - Minnesota Statutes 87A.02 subdivision 2 - Minnesota Statutes 87A.10 - Minnesota Statutes 97A.045 - Minnesota Statutes chapters 325F - Minnesota Statutes chapter 624.1.6