Proposal would require certification for covered firearms and magazines

The proposal would bar most sales of defined assault-style firearms and magazines holding more than 17 rounds. The rule covers firearms dealers and sales between people who are not licensed dealers. Exceptions include sales to law enforcement, certain workers acting in their official roles, immediate family, and specified antique or collector firearms. Gifts, transfers at death, and unpaid temporary loans under 30 days are also excepted. The proposed rules would apply to crimes committed on or after July 1, 2027.

The proposal would require owners to certify covered firearms and large-capacity magazines with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The requirements cover people who own or possess firearms and magazines that meet the proposal's definitions. Owners would have to renew certification every three years, and the Bureau could charge a fee. Someone who lawfully acquires a covered item would have 120 days to request certification. Specified government workers, licensed manufacturers, and dealers are exempt while acting within their authorized roles. Most requirements would apply to crimes committed on or after July 1, 2027. The state would have to begin setting up the certification system the day after final enactment.

The proposal would bar possession and transfer of defined homemade firearms and limit how many firearms most people may make. The rules cover firearms and unfinished frames or receivers that meet the proposal's definition of a ghost gun; antiques, items made before 1968, and permanently unusable items are excluded from that definition. A person who possessed an unserialized firearm or unfinished frame on August 1, 2026, would have 180 days to get a serial number, remove it from Minnesota, make it permanently unusable, or surrender it to law enforcement. Heirs would have 30 days and new residents 60 days to take one of those steps. A person who is not a licensed firearms business could not make more than three firearms in a calendar year or use a 3D printer or computer-guided milling machine to make one. The proposed rules would apply to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026; different deadlines would apply to current owners, heirs, and new residents.

The proposal would change who may seek an extreme risk protection order and how courts handle hearings and firearm transfers. The procedures concern people asking for or responding to a court order that bars firearm possession or purchase because of a serious safety risk. A court could issue an order after finding clear and convincing evidence of significant danger to others or suicide risk involving a firearm. An emergency order requires probable cause and an immediate danger. If the petitioner does not request a hearing on an emergency order, the respondent could request one within five days after service. A respondent could transfer firearms to a licensed dealer, law enforcement, or an eligible third party, but not someone living with them. The excerpt does not state an effective date for these provisions.

The proposal would encourage school districts and charter schools to set up anonymous threat reporting systems. The encouragement applies to school districts and charter schools; nonpublic schools are treated separately. A local system would need round-the-clock anonymous reporting, crisis support, trained school staff, and a coordinated response when needed for safety. Nonpublic schools could use a system but would not have to follow these requirements. The excerpt does not state an effective date for these provisions.