Purpose

• Establishes regulations on possession and transfer of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons (SMA) after a specified date.
• Requires reporting related to SMA and creates criminal penalties for violations.
• Amends Minnesota law to define what counts as an SMA and to set scope for enforcement.

Main Provisions

• Definition rewrite: Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 624.712 subdivision 7 to define what is a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon (SMA).
• List of specific firearms: Names a set of models and families that are considered SMA (examples include AK-47-type rifles, AR-15-type rifles, Daewoo Max1/Max2, Famas MAS, FN LAR/FNC, Galil, HK variants, Ingram MAC10/MAC11, TEC9, SIG 550/551, SKS with detachable magazine, Steyr AUG, Street Sweeper, Striker12, USAS12, Uzi, Valmet M76/M78, and related variants).
• Expanded definitions: Extends SMA status to:
  • Any firearm made by the same manufacturer with the same action design as a listed model, or that is a redesigned/renamed version with modifications (e.g., folding or retractable stock, different barrel length, larger magazine, bayonet mount, etc.).
  • Any firearm manufactured or sold under a licensing agreement after the effective date of Laws 1993, chapter 326, that is identical or nearly identical to a listed model.
  • Any firearm that has a detachable magazine and one or more additional features (pistol grip or similar grip, folding/ telescoping stock, shroud around the barrel, etc.).
  • Semiautomatic pistols and shotguns with corresponding features (detachable magazine, grips, folding/ telescoping stocks, shrouds, or large magazine capacity) and conversion kits that could assemble an SMA.
• Importation note: Indicates most listed weapons were subject to a 1989 import ban by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), with five specific items treated as exceptions (Colt AR-15, Ingram MAC10/MAC11, Intratec TEC9, Street Sweeper/Striker12, and USAS12) that are not barred by that 1989 ban.
• Sporting-purposes exception: A firearm is not considered an SMA if it is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d) or related regulations.
• Not permanently inoperable: A firearm described as an SMA is excluded if it has been permanently made inoperable.
• Conversion kits: Prohibits or restricts conversion kits or combinations of parts that would enable assembling an SMA if those parts are in the possession of the same person.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a broad, uniform definition of SMA that covers many named models and also encompasses modified variants and identical copies produced under license after a specific date.
• Expands regulatory reach from a narrow set of firearms to a wider set of weapons sharing action design or certain features (detachable magazines, grips, folding/telescoping stocks, shrouds, high-capacity magazines, etc.).
• Integrates an import-ban context with a built-in exception set for five specific models, referencing longstanding federal action while aligning state law.
• Introduces a sporting-purposes exemption and a permanent-inoperability safeguard to limit enforcement in certain cases.
• Establishes the framework for reporting and penalties tied to possession/transfer of SMA after the specified date.

Definitions and Key Terms (Selected)

• semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon (SMA)
• Detachable magazine
• Pistol grip
• Thumbhole stock
• Folding stock
• Telescoping stock
• Shroud (around the barrel)
• Conversion kit
• Licencing agreement (post-1993, ch. 326)
• Importation ban (ATF, 1989)
• Generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes (18 U.S.C. § 925(d))
• Permanently inoperable

Notable Firearms and Models Mentioned (examples)

• AK-47-type rifles
• AR-70 and AR-15-type rifles
• Daewoo Max1/Max2
• Famas MAS
• FN LAR/FNC
• Galil
• HK-series (HK91/93/94)
• Ingram MAC10/MAC11
• Intratec TEC9
• SIG 550SP/551SP
• SKS with detachable magazine
• Steyr AUG
• Street Sweeper and Striker12
• USAS12
• Uzi
• Valmet M76/M78
• Plus any other variant by the same manufacturer with the same action design or with specified modifications

Relevant Terms - semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon - detachable magazine - pistol grip - folding stock - telescoping stock - shroud - conversion kit - import ban (ATF 1989) - sporting purposes exemption (18 U.S.C. § 925(d)) - permanently inoperable - licensing agreement (post-1993, Laws 1993, ch. 326) - AK-47, AR-15, Street Sweeper, USAS12, TEC9, MAC10, MAC11, Steyr AUG, SIG 550/551, FN LAR/FNC, Daewoo Max1/Max2, Famas MAS, Uzi, Valmet M76/M78, SKS (detachable mag)