HF4830

Purpose

• To prohibit state and local units of government and law enforcement agencies in Minnesota from acquiring military-grade weapons through the Pentagon’s 1033 program.

Main Provisions

• Defines military-grade weapons as: militarily equipped vehicles and aircraft, weapons, and other objects designed to primarily have a military purpose or offensive capability, and ammunition.
• Excludes items that are not weapons, such as generators and medical aid equipment.
• Prohibits a state or local unit of government or law enforcement agency from acquiring military-grade weapons under the Pentagon’s 1033 program, as authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1997, codified at 10 U.S.C. 2576a, as amended.
• Establishes a new provision in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 626 (Section 626.999) titled “Prohibition on Participating in Pentagon’s 1033 Program.”

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a clear prohibition within Minnesota law (Chapter 626) that prevents state and local agencies from taking part in the 1033 program and from acquiring the associated military-grade weapons.
• Codifies a federal program’s restriction into state statute, creating a state-level rule that supersedes participation in this program for Minnesota entities.

Context and Practical Impact

• The bill formalizes a policy to demilitarize local and state law enforcement by removing access to surplus military equipment through the 1033 program.
• It does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms in the text provided.

Relevant Terms - military-grade weapons - militarily equipped vehicles - military aircraft - weapons - ammunition - offensive capability - military purpose - generators - medical aid equipment - Pentagon’s 1033 program - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1997 - 10 U.S.C. 2576a - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 626 - Section 626.999 - state and local units of government - law enforcement agencies - acquire / acquiring - surplus military equipment