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HF 4170

Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines banned, and criminal penalties provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emma Greenman and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, with criminal penalties for violations.

Author added Rehrauer
#firearmsanddangerousweapons #publicsafetydepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4170

Summary of HF 4170 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Overview

HF 4170 proposes bans on possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines, establishes criminal penalties for violations, and sets implementing details for enforcement. The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 Minnesota Legislature and has Kari Rehrauer and Emma Greenman as co-sponsors, with Rehrauer added as author on March 16, 2026. It was introduced and referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee on March 12, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • To reduce the availability and possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (often described as semiautomatic firearms with certain features) and high-capacity magazines.
  • To provide criminal penalties for individuals who possess these restricted weapons or magazines, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence.

Key Provisions (as described in the bill’s title and summary)

Note: The following reflects the substantive aims based on the title and typical structure of similar bills. The exact statutory language may specify definitions, exemptions, and enforcement details.

  • Prohibition on possession

    • Prohibits possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.
    • Prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines (commonly defined as magazines exceeding a specified round count).

  • Criminal penalties

    • Establishes criminal penalties for possession of prohibited firearms and magazines.
    • Penalties could vary by circumstance (e.g., first offense vs. subsequent offenses) and may include fines, imprisonment, or both (exact penalties to be specified in the bill).

  • Definitions and scope

    • Likely defines terms such as “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon” and “large-capacity magazine.”
    • Specifies the weapons and magazine sizes covered, and may include exceptions (e.g., for law enforcement, military, or firearm collectors) per the bill’s provisions.

  • Enforcement and compliance

    • Provisions related to seizure, reporting, and transfer of prohibited weapons.
    • Potential timelines for compliance or grace periods and processes for lawful disposal or surrender.

  • Importation, sale, and transfer

    • While the title emphasizes possession, the bill may also address related activities such as sale, transfer, or importation of restricted items, though this is not guaranteed by the title alone.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals who possess semiautomatic military-style assault weapons or large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota.
  • Gun owners, collectors, and potentially firearms dealers, depending on incorporations of sales or transfers within the bill.
  • Law enforcement and judicial systems, due to enforcement, prosecution, and potential seizure provisions.
  • Any exemptions carved out (e.g., licensed dealers, law enforcement, military, or other statutory exemptions) would affect who is exempt from penalties.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee on March 12, 2026.
  • Author and sponsors: Primary author is listed as Rehrauer (with Kari Rehrauer as co-sponsor) and Emma Greenman as additional co-sponsor (appointment of author occurred March 16, 2026).
  • Next steps (typical): Committee hearings, possible amendments, floor actions in the House, passage or defeat, and coordination with the Senate (including potential differences in companion measures).

Considerations for Readers

  • The specific definitions (e.g., what features constitute a “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon” and what magazine sizes are prohibited) and the exact penalties are contained in the bill’s text. These details determine the practical scope and impact.
  • Exemptions, safe harbors, and transitional provisions (if any) can significantly affect actual enforcement and compliance requirements.
  • The bill’s impact will depend on neighboring or companion legislation in the Senate and any potential gubernatorial veto or signing.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill’s exact text and provide a line-by-line outline of definitions, prohibitions, exemptions, enforcement provisions, and penalties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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