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SF 4688

Regulation changes of transfers of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons to include ammunition

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erin Maye Quade

The bill adds ammunition to transfer regulations for pistols and semiautomatic military-style weapons, tightening background checks and record-keeping for related transfers.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 4688

Summary of SF 4688 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

SF 4688 proposes regulation changes concerning the transfer of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (MSAWs) to include the transfer of ammunition. The bill appears to aim at tightening controls on who can acquire pistols and semiautomatic military-style firearms by extending regulatory requirements to ammunition, thereby potentially restricting transfers that involve ammunition purchases or transfers in connection with firearm transfers.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill title and action history)

  • Scope of transfers extended to ammunition: The bill would add ammunition to the items subject to transfer regulation when paired with pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. This could mean requiring background checks, purchase restrictions, transfer documentation, or licensing for ammunition sales or transfers to ensure they align with firearm transfer controls.
  • Regulatory framework: Likely adds or strengthens statutory provisions governing who may transfer firearms and ammunition, what records must be kept, and what verifications are required at the point of transfer.
  • Definitions: The bill may provide or modify definitions for terms such as “pistol,” “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon,” and “ammunition” to ensure regulatory alignment with transfers.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Potentially introduces or clarifies enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations related to unlawful transfers of pistols, MSAWs, and ammunition.

Note: The available information from the action history indicates introduction, first reading, and referral to Judiciary and Public Safety, with Erin Maye Quade as a co-sponsor. Specific text of provisions (e.g., exact amendments, statutory sections affected, and detailed enforcement language) is not provided in the summary snippet.

Who would be affected

  • Buyers and sellers of pistols and MSAsWs: The transfer process for these firearms could require additional steps when ammunition is involved in the transfer.
  • ** Ammunition purchasers and sellers:** If ammunition is newly regulated in the transfer context, retailers, ranges, and private sellers might need to adhere to new verification or record-keeping requirements.
  • Licensed firearm dealers and transfer agents: Dealers who handle pistol/MSAW transfers would implement updated procedures to comply with the bill.
  • Law enforcement and regulatory agencies: Agencies would enforce new transfer rules and penalties and manage related records.
  • Potentially the general public: Indirect effects could include changes in the ease or cost of acquiring pistols, MSAsWs, or ammunition, depending on the final text (background checks, waiting periods, or purchase limits).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and first reading: March 23, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety for consideration and potential markup, hearings, and amendments.
  • Next steps (typical legislative path):
    • Committee review with potential amendments.
    • Public hearings and stakeholder testimony.
    • Committee vote, then passage to the full chamber (House or Senate, depending on Minnesota’s current structure) for consideration.
    • If passed in one chamber, would move to the other chamber and then to the governor for signature or veto.

Practical considerations for readers

  • The bill’s central change is to couple ammunition with the regulation of transfers of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, which could affect how these items are purchased and transferred.
  • Exact requirements (e.g., background checks for ammunition purchases, transfer documentation, waiting periods, or licensing changes) will be determined in the bill’s text and any amendments adopted during committee process.
  • Stakeholders (gun owners, retailers, law enforcement, and gun violence prevention groups) may have strong interests in how ammunition is regulated in transfer scenarios.

If you would like, I can adapt this summary to reflect the actual statutory text once it is released or provide a side-by-side comparison with current Minnesota law to highlight specific changes.

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

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