HF2449

HF2449 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Semiautomatic military-style assault weapon sale or transfer prohibited, buyback program authorized for semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1596

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota. Additionally, the bill introduces a buyback program for these types of firearms and allocates funds for its implementation.

Main Provisions

Definition Update: The bill amends the definition of "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" to include specific firearm models and features. This includes rifles with detachable magazines, semiautomatic pistols, and shotguns with certain characteristics like folding stocks or large magazine capacities.
Transfer Prohibition: It is unlawful for any person to sell, gift, loan, or otherwise transfer semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, with certain exceptions.
Exceptions: Transfers are allowed between government officials or agencies, and licensed dealers can transfer such weapons to the armed forces or law enforcement agencies for official use.
Penalty for Violations: Individuals who illegally transfer these weapons will face felony charges, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill significantly changes existing Minnesota law by broadening the prohibition on the transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and expanding the list of firearms classified under this category.
It adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes chapter 624, further detailing restrictions and penalties related to these firearms.

Buyback Program

The bill authorizes the creation of a buyback program funded by appropriations to encourage the surrender of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.

Relevant Terms

semiautomatic assault weapon, buyback program, firearm prohibition, transfer restrictions, public safety, felony penalty, detachable magazine, military-style weapon, firearm legislation, law enforcement exemption.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 16, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expands the list of firearms defined as semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.",
        "Includes criteria based on features like detachable magazines and specific grips."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon under section 624.712, subdivision 7.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.712",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the federal standard for firearms suitable for sporting purposes.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies exclusions from the definition of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons based on sporting purpose recognition."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18 U.S.C. 925",
    "subdivision": "paragraph d(3)"
  }
]