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HF 2449

Semiautomatic military-style assault weapon sale or transfer prohibited, buyback program authorized for semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nathan Coulter and 22 co-sponsors

Minnesota would ban semiautomatic assault weapon sales and fund voluntary buyback program to remove existing weapons from circulation.

Authors added Reyer, Coulter, Kraft, Smith, Elkins, Hicks, Rehm, Falconer
#firearmsanddangerousweapons
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Bill Summary · HF 2449

Legislative bill overview

HF 2449 would prohibit the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota and establish a state-funded buyback program to compensate owners who voluntarily surrender such weapons. The bill appropriates funding to implement both the prohibition and the buyback initiative.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses gun violence policy—a contentious national issue—by attempting to reduce access to firearms classified as assault weapons through both future restrictions and incentivized removal of existing ones. The buyback component represents a significant state expenditure with unknown final costs, while the prohibition affects current legal gun owners and the firearms market in Minnesota.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment challenges, as similar assault weapon bans have faced legal disputes regarding what constitutes a "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" and whether restrictions pass constitutional scrutiny
  • Implementation and costs: The buyback program's actual price tag remains undefined; voluntary participation rates are unpredictable, and enforcement mechanisms for the prohibition need clarification
  • Rural vs. urban divide: Rural communities with different gun ownership traditions may view restrictions differently than urban areas, creating regional political friction over the bill's application
  • Definition disputes: "Semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" lacks precise legal definition, potentially creating confusion about which firearms are actually prohibited

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

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