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HF4743

Sale and possession of toxic ammunition prohibited.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: SF5143

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The bill aims to curb exposure to toxic ammunition by prohibiting the sale and possession of lead-based ammunition and by setting rules for shooting ranges to use only non-toxic ammunition. It seeks to reduce environmental lead contamination and promote public safety.

Main Provisions

  • Prohibition on lead ammunition:

    • The bill states a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition, addressing “toxic ammunition.”
    • It would apply to general sale and possession, aligning with the bill’s stated purpose to prohibit sale and possession of toxic ammunition.

  • Shooting range requirements:

    • The shooting range performance standards must include a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition.
    • To be compliant, shooting ranges must only allow possession and use of non-toxic ammunition.
    • An exception exists for peace officers or other government officials or employees when performing a duty required by law (they may use lead ammunition under specified circumstances).

  • Best practices framework:

    • The bill references the National Rifle Association’s Range Source Book (November 1999, revised edition) as the baseline for “best practices” in shooting range planning, construction, and performance standards.

  • Legislative updates:

    • The bill would amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 sections 87A.02 subdivision 2, 87A.10, and 97A.045 by adding a subdivision.
    • It would add codified provisions in Minnesota Statutes chapters 325F and 624.1.6 to implement these changes.

Notable Changes to Law

  • Introduction of a lead (toxic) ammunition prohibition at shooting ranges and a mandate that ranges use non-toxic ammunition.
  • Creation of a new subdivision within the statute and incorporation into additional chapters (325F and 624.1.6) to enforce and regulate these provisions.
  • Formal reference to a recognized standards publication (NRA Range Source Book) as the basis for best practices.

Implementation and Compliance

  • Compliance is tied to the “best practices” framework, with the NRA Range Source Book identified as a guiding resource.
  • Shooting ranges must enforce non-toxic ammunition usage to meet the performance standards, with limited exceptions for certain law enforcement or government personnel performing official duties.

Potential Impacts

  • Environmental and public health: Reduced lead exposure and environmental contamination from ammunition.
  • Public safety and law enforcement: Clear exemptions for officers performing lawful duties.
  • Operational considerations: Shooting ranges and vendors may need to switch to non-toxic ammunition and adjust facilities to comply with new standards.

Effective Date (Note)

  • The excerpt does not specify an effective date; any effective date would be determined in the final enacted text.

Relevant Terms lead ammunition; lead-based ammunition; non-toxic ammunition; non-lead ammunition; shooting range performance standards; best practices; NRA Range Source Book; November 1999 Range Source Book; precision standards; lead exposure; environmental lead contamination; peace officers; government officials; duty required by law; Minnesota Statutes 2024; sections 87A.02 subdivision 2; 87A.10; 97A.045; Minnesota Statutes chapters 325F; 624.1.6

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition at shooting ranges.",
        "Requires shooting ranges to allow only non-toxic ammunition, with exceptions for peace officers or other government officials or employees when performing a duty required by law.",
        "Requires best practices to reference the November 1999 revised edition of the National Rifle Association Range Source Book A Guide to Planning and Construction as guidance."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes the prior allowance to possess or use lead ammunition at shooting ranges (i.e., prohibits lead ammo)."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 87A.02, subdivision 2, to establish best practices for shooting ranges and to prohibit possessing and using lead ammunition at shooting ranges, requiring non-toxic ammunition except for certain officials.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies the section to incorporate lead ammunition prohibition and reliance on a defined best practices source."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "87A.02",
    "subdivision": "Subd. 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds a subdivision to this section (specific content not provided in the excerpt)."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill adds a subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 87A.10 (content not specified in the excerpt).",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "87A.10",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds a subdivision to this section (specific content not provided in the excerpt)."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill adds a subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.045 (content not specified in the excerpt).",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97A.045",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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