Minnesota Legislation Proposes New Restrictions on Semi-automatic Firearm Transfers

A new legislative proposal in Minnesota aims to significantly restrict the circulation of semi-automatic firearms through an alternative approach to previous gun control measures. The recently introduced Senate File SF1596/House File HF2449, submitted on February 20, 2025, and published on February 25, 2025, represents a shift in strategy from earlier unsuccessful legislation.

Transfer Ban vs. Possession Ban

Unlike the previous bill HF3628 from 2024 that sought to prohibit possession of numerous rifles, pistols, and certain shotguns, SF1596/HF2449 takes a more gradual approach. Rather than immediately banning ownership, the current proposal would prohibit the sale or transfer of specified firearms. This prohibition extends to estate transfers and even prevents moving the firearms out of state, effectively creating a mechanism to gradually eliminate these firearms from civilian ownership in Minnesota.

Limited Exceptions

The legislation contains a narrow exception allowing transfers between government agents. According to the bill, "agents of the state" - defined as government officers, employees, military personnel, and peace officers - may transfer the specified firearms among themselves for official purposes. No provisions exist for civilian transfers.

State "Buyback" Program

The bill anticipates funding for firearm "buyback" programs, with compensation rates to be determined by the Commissioner of Public Safety. Participants in these programs would receive immunity from prosecution under the law's provisions.

Affected Firearms Categories

The legislation would impact several categories of firearms, including:

• Semi-automatic pistols with fixed magazines exceeding ten-round capacity, such as the newly designed Keltec PR-57 carry pistol
• Semi-automatic centerfire or rimfire rifles with fixed magazines holding more than ten rounds, potentially including most semi-automatic rimfire rifles with tubular magazines (notably without the .22 tubular magazine exemption found in previous legislation)
• Semi-automatic pistols accepting detachable magazines and featuring any of four specified characteristics, including those with barrel shrouds (affecting models like the Keltec CP33 and various Ruger MK variants)

Scope and Constitutional Concerns

As drafted, the legislation would prevent transfers of numerous currently legal firearms, limiting their disposition to state-run "buyback" programs. Critics argue that the bill specifically targets firearms rarely used in crimes while potentially compromising Second Amendment rights, particularly those that might be considered effective for militia purposes. The legislation's future may ultimately depend on future Supreme Court rulings regarding state-level bans on semi-automatic rifles.