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Bill Summary · SF 5143

Summary of SF 5143 (2025-2026) — Toxic Ammunition Sale and Possession Prohibition (Minnesota)

Purpose and intent

SF 5143 aims to phase out lead ammunition in Minnesota by prohibiting the sale, possession, and use of lead-based bullets and shot. The bill seeks to reduce lead exposure risks to humans and wildlife, promote public safety, and encourage the use of nontoxic alternatives. It creates a structured transition with a phased timeline, compliance requirements for shooting facilities, state-sponsored education, and enforcement provisions including civil penalties and disposal/buyback programs.

Key provisions and changes

Lead ammunition ban timeline

  • Manufacturers/wholesalers ban: Beginning August 1, 2027, no manufacturer or wholesaler may sell or offer for sale lead ammunition in Minnesota.
  • Retailers ban: Beginning August 1, 2028, no retailer may sell or offer for sale lead ammunition.
  • Affected products include all lead-based ammunition used for hunting, shooting sports, or other purposes.

Prohibition on possession and disposal

  • Use/possession ban: Beginning August 1, 2028, individuals may not use or possess lead ammunition.
  • Civil penalties for violations:
    • First offense: $500.
    • Subsequent offenses: at least $1,000 but up to $5,000 per offense.

Disposition and buyback

  • Disposal options by Aug. 1, 2028:
    • Surrender lead ammunition to a law enforcement agency for proper disposal.
    • Remove lead ammunition from the state.
  • Buyback/exchange program: If funding allows, the state (via the Department of Public Safety) may establish a program to buy back lead ammo and offer opportunities to exchange it for nontoxic ammunition.

Education and outreach

  • Education for hunters/recruitment: The bill requires the addition of education about the toxic effects of lead ammunition and nontoxic alternatives as part of the state’s broader hunting recruitment and retention efforts.
  • Public service campaign: By March 1, 2027, public notice campaigns must be developed and implemented to educate the public about the lead ammunition ban.

Shooting range and facility standards

  • Best practices update (87A.02):
    • The chapter’s best practices will include a prohibition on possessing and using lead ammunition.
    • Shooting ranges must allow only nontoxic ammunition (except for certain peace officers or mandated uses under law).
  • Grants for facilities (87A.10):
    • Grants for up to 50% of development/rehabilitation costs of shooting sports facilities, with conditions:
    • Facilities must be open to the general public.
    • Facilities must only allow nontoxic ammunition.
    • Must include an educational component about lead toxicity and nontoxic alternatives.
    • Effective date: August 1, 2027 for grants awarded on or after that date.

Administrative provisions

  • Education mandate (97A.045): Adds Subd. 14 requiring education on lead toxicity and nontoxic alternatives as part of hunting recruitment/retention efforts.
  • Effective dates: Provisions become effective on specified dates (2026–2028 range) to implement the phased approach.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers: Face a prohibition on selling lead ammunition starting 2027–2028, respectively.
  • Consumers and permit holders: Prohibited from possessing or using lead ammunition after August 1, 2028; penalties apply for violations.
  • Shooting ranges and facilities: Must adopt nontoxic ammunition standards and, for new/rehabilitated facilities, may obtain grants and must include educational components.
  • Public safety and natural resources agencies: Responsible for enforcement, disposal/buyback programs, and public education campaigns.
  • General public, especially hunters and target shooters: Will be educated about the risks of lead ammunition and the availability of nonlead options.

Procedural/timeline highlights

  • 2026: Bill introduction and referrals.
  • 2027: Grants under 87A.10 become effective for new/rehabilitated facilities; public education campaigns to begin by March 1, 2027.
  • 2028: Ban on sale and possession of lead ammunition takes full effect; disposal/buyback programs should be established where funding allows.
  • Ongoing: Education integrated into hunting recruitment efforts; shooting ranges must comply with nontoxic ammunition standards.

This summary presents the substantive elements of SF 5143 as introduced in the 2025-2026 Minnesota Legislature.

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

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