SF3655

Purpose

• Establishes a prohibition on possessing semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Minnesota, with criminal penalties for violations. The bill also seeks to update and codify these prohibitions and related definitions in Minnesota Statutes.

What the bill would do

• Prohibit possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
• Update Minnesota law by adding new subdivisions to specify what counts as a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon and what counts as a large-capacity magazine.
• Create or modify definitions and rules in Minnesota Statutes to reflect the new prohibitions and the scope of prohibited items.
• Note existing federal import bans: many of the weapons named are identified as those that were barred from import by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in 1989 (though the bill’s language emphasizes possession and related definitions, not federal import restrictions).

Key definitions (central terms to understand the bill)

• Semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon

  • Includes a list of specific firearms (examples: AK-47-type rifles, AR-15-type rifles, Uzi-type pistols/carbine, TEC-9-type pistols, and several other named models) and any firearm that is a model made by the same manufacturer with the same action design or that is a redesigned/renumbered version of a listed firearm, or that has certain modifications (like folding or retractable stocks, different calibers, larger magazines, bayonet mounts, or other enhancements).
  • Also includes firearms made by another company under a licensing agreement to produce identical or nearly identical weapons, regardless of country of origin.
  • Broadly covers firearms that, while not named individually, would be considered militarystyle if they share the same action design or key features.

• Additional features that can make a firearm a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon

  • Pistols or rifles with a detachable magazine and at least one of: pistol grip or thumbhole stock; protruding grip for nontrigger hand; folding or telescoping stock; a shroud around the barrel; a flash suppressor; capacity to accept a detachable magazine outside the pistol grip; or a threaded barrel for attachments.

• Semiautomatic pistol or semiautomatic centerfire or rimfire rifle with a fixed magazine

  • If it has the capacity to accept more than ten rounds, it can be considered a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon under the bill (subject to other features listed above).

• Semiautomatic shotgun

  • Includes weapons with features such as a pistol grip, protruding grip, folding or telescoping stock, a fixed capacity greater than ten rounds, or the ability to accept a detachable magazine.

• Conversion kit

  • Any parts or combination of parts that would allow assembling a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon, when those parts are in the possession or control of the same person.

• Do not count as a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon

  • A firearm that has been permanently made inoperable does not count as a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon.

Large-capacity magazines

• Large-capacity magazine means any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than ten rounds, or any conversion kit/parts used to assemble such a device, when in the possession or control of the same person.
• Exemptions if applicable:
  • A feeding device permanently altered so it cannot hold more than ten rounds.
  • A .22 caliber tube feeding device.
  • A tubular magazine in a lever-action firearm.

Changes to Minnesota law (practical impact)

• Adds new definitions to classify what counts as a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon and what counts as a large-capacity magazine.
• Establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited items.
• Expands or clarifies regulations in Minnesota Statutes related to possession, with cross-references to existing sections (including sections addressing firearms and ammunition feeding devices).
• Includes provisions to address both named firearms and weapons that meet the defined criteria through design features or configurations.

Summary of significant changes

• Creates a formal ban on possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Minnesota.
• Defines a broad set of criteria for what is considered a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon, including both specific models and firearms sharing design features or modified forms.
• Defines large-capacity magazines as devices holding more than ten rounds, with specific exceptions for permanently altered devices and certain types of magazines.
• Clarifies that some weapons are already restricted at the federal level (import bans noted), while Minnesota would enforce possession prohibitions and related penalties at the state level.
• Adds new statutory subdivisions to codify these prohibitions and related terms within Minnesota Statutes.

Relevant Terms - semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon - large-capacity magazine - detachable magazine - pistol grip - thumbhole stock - folding stock - telescoping stock - shroud - flash suppressor - conversion kit - capacity to accept more than ten rounds - .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device - lever-action tubular magazine - firearm modifications (renamed or redesigned versions) - licensing agreement firearms - importation ban (federal reference)