SF4290 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines banishment
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- To ban the possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Minnesota, with criminal penalties, by adding new definitions and changing several Minnesota Statutes related to firearms.
What is prohibited
- Possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons is banned.
- Possession of large-capacity magazines (more than ten rounds) is banned.
How the bill defines a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon
- A semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon includes:
- The following specific firearm types/models (e.g., AK-47 type, AR-15 type, MAC-10/11, TEC9, Uzi, FAMAS-type, Steyr AUG, etc.), and any firearm that is a variation, redesign, or renamed version of one of these with the same action design.
- Any firearm that has been manufactured or sold under a licensing agreement to reproduce an listed model, or any firearm that has a slight modification or enhancement (examples: folding or retractable stock, different caliber, bayonet mount, larger magazine, adjustable sights, etc.).
- Any firearm that has a detachable magazine and one or more features such as a pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/ telescoping stock, shroud around the barrel, flash suppressor, or the ability to hold with the nontrigger hand, or other listed features.
- Any firearm with the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and has one or more added features (including but not limited to those listed above).
- Any firearm that can be converted from a kit to another semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon, if the parts are possessed by the same person.
- A firearm is not considered semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon if it has been permanently made inoperable.
- The bill lists many specific rifle, pistol, and shotgun models as examples to define the category, and allows for copies or very similar models from the same manufacturer or under licensing.
How a firearm is treated in relation to federal import bans
- The bill notes that many of the listed weapons were previously barred from importation by the federal government (ATF) in July 1989, with some exceptions for certain items.
Large-capacity magazines
- A large-capacity magazine is defined as a feeding device that can hold more than ten rounds, or parts that enable assembly of such a device, when in the possession or control of the same person.
- Exemptions and restrictions:
- If a magazine has been permanently altered to hold ten or fewer rounds, it is not a large-capacity magazine.
- Certain devices such as a .22 caliber tube feeding device are not considered large-capacity magazines.
- Tubular magazines used in lever-action firearms are not considered large-capacity magazines.
Notable exclusions and clarifications
- A firearm is not considered a semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon if it is permanently inoperable.
- The bill specifies that it adds new definitions and penalties to be integrated into Minnesota law, and it modifies several sections of Minnesota Statutes to reflect these prohibitions.
How this changes current law
- Adds explicit definitions for semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
- Creates criminal penalties for possession of these weapons and magazines.
- Amends multiple sections of Minnesota Statutes to codify these prohibitions and align state law with the new definitions.
- Expands the regulatory framework to cover additional weapon variants, conversion kits, and related parts that could enable possession of these firearms.
Relevant changes to law (contextual) - Adds new subdivisions to Minnesota Statutes to define and regulate semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. - Clarifies inclusion of conversion kits and related parts in the prohibited category. - Retains a prohibition on certain weapons historically barred from importation by federal law, with specified exceptions.
Relevant terms - semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon - large-capacity magazine - detachable magazine - pistol grip - thumbhole stock - folding stock - telescoping stock - shroud - flash suppressor - conversion kit - firearm - prohibited possession - Minnesota Statutes (various sections: 624.712, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.7134, 624.7141, 624.7181, etc.) - ATF import ban (1989) - permanent inoperability
Relevant Terms
- semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon
- large-capacity magazine
- detachable magazine
- pistol grip
- folding stock
- telescoping stock
- shroud
- flash suppressor
- conversion kit
- firearm
- importation ban (ATF 1989)
- permanent inoperable
- Minnesota Statutes sections (624.712, 624.7131, 624.7132, 624.7134, 624.7141, 624.7181)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 09, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill broadens penalties under 609.66 to address possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, aligning with new definitions elsewhere in the act.",
"modified": [
"Revises penalties for possession of defined weapons; adds cross-reference to 624.712 Subd.22 for large-capacity magazines."
]
},
"citation": "609.66",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1f"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd.7 defining semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons with enumerated firearm models and design characteristics."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapon by enumerating specific firearms and associated features.",
"modified": [
"Modifies 624.712 by adding a comprehensive definition (Subd.7) for assault weapons."
]
},
"citation": "624.712",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Creates offense or related provisions under 624.713 Subd.1."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Subd.1 to 624.713 to establish penalties related to possession of semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "624.713",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subd.10 added to specify additional weapon-related provisions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Subd.10 to 624.7131, further detailing provisions related to semiautomatic militarystyle assault weapons.",
"modified": [
"Expands 624.7131 with new subdivisions addressing related offenses or definitions."
]
},
"citation": "624.7131",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subds. 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 15 added to clarify features and criteria affecting assault weapons."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds or expands multiple subdivisions within 624.7132 to address weapon features and related criteria.",
"modified": [
"Broadens or specifies definitions and conditions related to semiautomatic weapons within 624.7132."
]
},
"citation": "624.7132",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 15"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subds. 2, 3, 4, 5 added to augment the definition framework for assault weapons."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds subdivisions to 624.7134 related to additional weapon configurations or definitions.",
"modified": [
"Expands 624.7134 with new subdivision provisions."
]
},
"citation": "624.7134",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subds. 1 and 3 added to 624.7141."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds subdivisions to 624.7141 addressing firearm characteristics or related provisions.",
"modified": [
"Augments 624.7141 with additional provisions."
]
},
"citation": "624.7141",
"subdivision": "subdivisions 1, 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subd.2 added to 624.7181."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Subd.2 to 624.7181, elaborating on related firearm provisions or exceptions.",
"modified": [
"Expands 624.7181 with new subdivision."
]
},
"citation": "624.7181",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subd.1 (2025 Supplement) added to 624.7131."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement reference adding Subd.1 to 624.7131, continuing alignment with the act.",
"modified": [
"Supplemental update to 624.7131 to reflect ongoing alignment with new definitions."
]
},
"citation": "624.7131",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1 (2025 Supplement)"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subd.1 (2025 Supplement) added to 624.7132."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement reference adding Subd.1 to 624.7132, aligning with the bill's framework.",
"modified": [
"Supplemental update to 624.7132 to incorporate new provisions."
]
},
"citation": "624.7132",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1 (2025 Supplement)"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee