HF3618

Purpose

This bill proposes a prohibition on the possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Minnesota, with criminal penalties. It seeks to redefine and expand the state's firearm restrictions by adding new definitions and prohibitions, and by amending several Minnesota statutes to codify the ban and penalties.

Main provisions and objectives

• Prohibition on possession
  • Bans possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons.
  • Covers a wide list of specific firearm models and variants, including firearms that share a design, are renamed or modified versions, or are manufactured under licensing agreements to replicate listed models.
  • Includes firearms with features that make them easily adaptable or enhanced for rapid firing or higher capacity (such as detachable magazines, certain stocks, grips, shrouds, flash suppressors, threaded barrels, etc.).
  • States that certain firearms are not considered semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons if permanently inoperable.
• Definitions of key terms
  • Semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon: defined by a combination of model names and distinctive features (listed models such as AK-47, AR-15, Uzi, TEC-9, Steyr AUG, HK rifles, Galil, SKS with detachable magazine, and others) plus any firearm with the same action design, or with modifications like folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips, shrouds, or magazines that can accept more than ten rounds.
  • Detachable magazine: a magazine that can be removed from the firearm.
  • Other features: pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/ telescoping stock, shroud, flash suppressor, threaded barrel, and similar design features that enhance handling or capacity.
• Large-capacity magazines
  • Large-capacity magazine means any feeding device that can hold more than ten rounds, or parts that can convert a device to hold more than ten rounds.
  • Exceptions include devices permanently altered to hold ten or fewer rounds, certain .22 caliber devices, and certain tubular/crank-style lever-action configurations.
• Amendments to statutes and codification
  • Adds and amends multiple subdivisions across Minnesota Statutes (including sections 624.712, 624.713, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.7134, 624.7141, 624.7181, and related 2025 supplement provisions) to implement the new restrictions and definitions.
  • Codifies new law within Minnesota Statutes chapter 624.
• Import and licensing context
  • The bill references firearms that were barred from import by federal action in 1989 and describes firearms and variants that would fall under the new Minnesota ban.
  • Includes language about firearms that are otherwise similar to listed models, including those produced under licensing agreements to replicate them.

Significant changes to existing law

• Explicit prohibition on possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons within Minnesota.
• New, detailed definitions for what constitutes a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon, including many named firearms and features that elevate capacity or rapid-fire capability.
• Formal addition of a large-capacity magazine ban, with defined exceptions, to Minnesota statutes.
• Broad expansion of the types of firearms and configurations subject to prohibition through interpretation of “the same action design,” licensing arrangements, and modifications.
• Revisions to several statute sections to codify these prohibitions and definitions, altering criminal penalties framework and enforcement scope.

Notable clarifications and qualifiers

• Some firearms listed or described may be excluded if permanently inoperable.
• The bill distinguishes between firearms with detachable magazines and fixed magazines, and it sets thresholds (e.g., more than ten rounds) for determining what qualifies as a large-capacity magazine.
• The bill refers to both model-specific lists and design-based criteria, meaning some guns could be covered by virtue of features or similarities to listed models rather than by name alone.

Relevant terms section follows.

Relevant Terms - semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon - large-capacity magazine - detachable magazine - fixed magazine - pistol grip - thumbhole stock - folding stock - telescoping stock - shroud - flash suppressor - threaded barrel - Avtomat Kalashnikov AK-47 - AR-15 - Uzi - MAC10/MAC11 - TEC9 - Steyr AUG - HK91/HK93/HK94 - SIG 550/SP and SIG 551SP - SKS (detachable magazine) - Famas MAS - FN FAL - Galil - Ingram MAC series - Street Sweeper - Striker12 - USAS12 - licensing agreement - permanently inoperable - Minnesota Statutes sections 624.712, 624.713, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.7134, 624.7141, 624.7181 - 1989 ATF import ban - capacity more than ten rounds - conversion kit parts that enable assembly of assault weapons - criminal penalties - Minnesota Public Safety provisions (as referenced by the bill’s structure)