A Minnesota lawmaker has introduced a proposal that would ban assault-style weapons in the state while placing strict rules on people who already own them. The plan is part of a broader effort by some lawmakers to address gun violence and reduce the risk of mass shootings.
State Senator Matt Klein, who has represented Minnesota’s 53rd District since 2017, is leading the proposal. He has long been vocal about the need for stronger gun safety laws and says the new measure is aimed at improving public safety while still acknowledging the rights of current gun owners.
Under the proposed legislation, the sale, transfer, and future ownership of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons would be banned in Minnesota. These firearms are typically defined as semiautomatic rifles with certain military-style features and are often associated with high-capacity magazines.
However, the bill does not immediately take these weapons away from people who already own them. Instead, it would allow current owners to keep their firearms under a system known as “grandfathering.” This means individuals who legally possessed an assault-style weapon before the law takes effect could continue to own it—but only if they follow strict requirements.
To keep their weapons legally, owners would need to apply for official certification through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and local law enforcement. The application process would confirm that the weapon was legally owned before the deadline.
If the owner receives certification, they would be allowed to keep the firearm but would face several restrictions. For example, they would not be allowed to purchase additional assault-style weapons in the future. The law would also limit the ability to transfer or sell these firearms. In many cases, the only legal transfer allowed would be surrendering the weapon to law enforcement for destruction.
The proposal also includes rules for situations where someone inherits one of these weapons. If a person receives an assault-style firearm through inheritance, they would have limited options. They would need to surrender the weapon to law enforcement, permanently disable it so it cannot function, or remove it from the state.
Supporters of the bill argue that restricting access to these types of firearms could help prevent large-scale acts of violence. Many advocates say assault-style weapons are designed for rapid firing and are often used in high-profile mass shootings. They believe limiting these guns could reduce the number of casualties in such attacks.
On the other hand, critics say the proposal unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and could violate constitutional rights. Gun rights organizations and some lawmakers argue that most people who own these firearms use them responsibly for recreation, sport shooting, or personal protection. They also question whether banning certain types of guns would actually reduce crime.
The debate over gun control has become increasingly intense in Minnesota in recent years. Lawmakers have introduced several proposals addressing firearms, including restrictions on high-capacity magazines and regulations on homemade “ghost guns.”
As with many gun-related policies in the United States, the assault weapons ban proposal is expected to face strong debate in the legislature. Supporters say it is a necessary step to protect communities, while opponents argue it places unnecessary limits on responsible gun owners.
The bill will now move through committee discussions, where lawmakers will review its details, hear public testimony, and decide whether it should move forward for a full vote in the Minnesota Legislature.
