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HF 4743

Sale and possession of toxic ammunition prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emma Greenman

Minnesota bans lead ammunition for sale, possession, and use by 2028, with a phased rollout, penalties, disposal options, and public education to switch to nonlead ammo.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4743

Summary of HF 4743 (2025-2026) – Sale and possession of toxic ammunition prohibited (Minnesota)

Purpose and intent

  • Proposes to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of lead ammunition in Minnesota.
  • Implements a phased transition to nontoxic ammunition for shooting ranges, hunting education, and public facilities, with timing and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Aims to reduce lead exposure and environmental contamination associated with lead ammunition, while providing enforcement and disposal options.

Key provisions and changes

Lead ammunition ban timeline

  • Section 4: Lead ammunition ban established in two stages:
    • By August 1, 2027: No manufacturer or wholesaler may sell or offer for sale lead ammunition in Minnesota.
    • By August 1, 2028: No retailer may sell or offer for sale lead ammunition in Minnesota.

Prohibition on possession and use

  • Section 5: Beginning August 1, 2028, individuals may not use or possess lead ammunition.

Civil penalties for violations

  • Section 5, Subd. 2: Civil penalties for violations:
    • First offense: $500.
    • Each subsequent offense: minimum $1,000 up to $5,000.

Disposal, buyback, and exchange

  • Section 5, Subd. 3: By August 1, 2028, individuals who possess lead ammunition must:
    • Surrender lead ammunition to law enforcement for disposal, or
    • Remove lead ammunition from the state.
  • The state may establish a buyback program funded to the extent possible, allowing residents to exchange lead ammunition for nontoxic ammunition.

Public notices and education

  • Section 5, Subd. 4: By March 1, 2027, public safety and natural resources agencies must implement a public service campaign to educate the public about the lead ammunition ban.

Exemptions

  • Peace officers and other government officials/employees performing duties required by law are exempt from the lead ammunition ban.

Compliance related to shooting ranges and grants

  • Section 1 (amendment to 87A.02, Subd. 2): Shooting ranges must only allow possession and use of nontoxic ammunition to operate in compliance with performance standards, with an exception only for peace officers or government officials as required by law. Effective date for this provision: August 1, 2028.
  • Section 2 (amendment to 87A.10): Shooting sports facility grants program to support up to 50% of development or rehabilitation costs of facilities for public use; requirements include:
    • Facilities must be open to the general public during reasonable times and for a reasonable fee.
    • Only nontoxic ammunition allowed.
    • Include an educational component about the toxic effects of lead and nontoxic alternatives.
    • Effective date for this section: August 1, 2027 (grants awarded on or after that date).

Education and outreach

  • Section 3 (adds Subd. 14 to 97A.045): The commissioner must include education about the toxic effects of lead ammunition and nontoxic alternatives as part of hunting recruitment and retention efforts. Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Affected entities and activities

Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers

  • Prohibited from selling lead ammunition starting August 1, 2027 (wholesalers) and August 1, 2028 (retailers).

Consumers and firearm users

  • Prohibited from possessing or using lead ammunition starting August 1, 2028.
  • Subject to civil penalties for violations.

Law enforcement and public agencies

  • Authorized to accept surrender of lead ammunition for disposal.
  • Involved in administering disposal, buyback, and public education programs.
  • Exemptions for officers performing duties required by law.

Shooting ranges and shooting sports facilities

  • Must require nontoxic ammunition to operate (effective August 1, 2028).
  • Eligible for cost-share grants to develop/rehabilitate facilities, with special emphasis on youth opportunities and educational components about lead toxicity and nontoxic options (effective August 1, 2027).

Public education and outreach

  • State agencies must run a public education campaign about the ban (by March 1, 2027) and include broader education on lead toxicity and alternatives.

Timelines and effective dates (highlights)

  • August 1, 2026: Section 3 education mandate on lead toxicity and nontoxic alternatives takes effect.
  • August 1, 2027: Shooting ranges/grants program requirement; lead ammo sales by manufacturers/wholesalers prohibited (wholesalers) effective this date.
  • August 1, 2028: Lead ammunition ban for retailers and general possession/use becomes effective; disposal/ buyback requirements take effect; shooting ranges must only allow nontoxic ammo.
  • March 1, 2027: Public service campaign must be developed and implemented.

Practical implications

  • The bill creates a comprehensive trajectory toward eliminating lead ammunition, with a phased approach to industry sales, public possession, and on-site use.
  • It links environmental health goals with public safety infrastructure (shooting ranges) and educational programs to facilitate transition.
  • It introduces penalties to deter violations and provides disposal/buyback options to ease the transition for residents.
  • Exempts certain government personnel when performing required duties.

Note: This summary reflects the provisions as introduced and amended in HF 4743 during the 2025-2026 Minnesota session.

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

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