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HF 3617

Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Buck and 12 co-sponsors

HF 3617 bans possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and imposes criminal penalties to deter ownership and enforcement.

Author added Pursell
#firearmsanddangerousweapons #publicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 3617

Bill Summary – HF 3617 (2025-2026 Session, Minnesota)

What this bill does

HF 3617 proposes a ban on possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and sets forth criminal penalties for violations. The bill aims to reduce the availability and use of semiautomatic weapons deemed to have characteristics associated with military-style functionality, with enforcement mechanisms and penalties to deter possession.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibited weapons: The bill defines and prohibits possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. While exact definitions are not listed in the summary provided, the measure targets firearms commonly classified as semiautomatic rifles with military-style features.

  • Criminal penalties for possession:

    • Possessing a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon would carry criminal penalties. The bill would likely specify charges (e.g., gross misdemeanor or felony) and corresponding punishments, including potential jail time, fines, or both. The precise degree of offense and sanctions are not stated in the available summary.

  • Permitted exceptions or defenses (not specified in the provided information): Most bans include exemptions (e.g., for law enforcement, military use, certain licensed activities, gun safety compliance, or possession outside specific jurisdictions). The summary does not detail any exceptions, affirmative defenses, or grandfathering provisions.

  • Enforcement and administration:

    • The measure would establish enforcement mechanisms for identifying and confiscating prohibited weapons and prosecuting violations. Details such as who enforces, how weapons are seized, and reporting requirements are not provided in the summary.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals in possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons: The primary target is anyone who possesses, transfers, or manufactures such weapons in Minnesota under the scope of the bill.
  • Possessors and sellers of these weapons: Potential penalties would influence buyers, sellers, and transfer intermediaries.
  • Law enforcement and judicial system: Agencies and courts would administer enforcement, prosecute offenses, and handle any related sentencing.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introductions and referrals:
    • Introduction and first reading occurred on February 23, 2026. The bill was referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee for consideration.
  • Sponsor activity:
    • Co-sponsors include a number of legislators (e.g., Kristi Pursell as primary sponsor or author in the session history, with multiple listed co-sponsors such as Leon Lillie, Shelley Buck, Julie Greene, Samakab Hussein, Mike Freiberg, Ned Carroll, Meg Luger-Nikolai, Bianca Virnig, Leigh Finke, Steve Elkins, Kari Rehrauer, Liz Lee).
    • On March 12, 2026, Pursell was added as an author.
  • Next steps:
    • The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Minnesota House. If advanced, it would move to the Senate (and potentially require further action or conference between chambers) before any enactment.

Notes for readers

  • The summary above reflects the information available from the action history and sponsor list. Specific definitions, exemptions, exact penalties (e.g., degrees of offense, fines, or incarceration periods), and enforcement procedures are not detailed in the provided materials. For a complete understanding, reviewing the bill text, fiscal notes, and committee analyses would be essential.
  • As with many firearm-control measures, the bill’s effectiveness and constitutional considerations may hinge on definitional language, state constitutional rights, and potential court challenges.

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

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