The trusted voice of Minnesota's Gun Owners to Defend and Restore the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

DFL Senator Jen McEwen (DFL – SD8 – Duluth) has introduced a total ban on the sale and transfer of an expanded list of firearms that meet the definition of “semi-automatic military-style assault weapons”.

Her new expanded list is nearly every semi-automatic rifle, most semi-automatic shotguns, and even some semi-automatic pistols.

This page provides the bill’s current status, an explanation of what it does, and a guide on how to take action to help STOP this egregious legislation.

WE OPPOSE THIS BILL.

Last Updated:  February 25th, 2025

Current Status of SF1596

As of 2/20/2025, SF 1596 has been introduced and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Committee has not scheduled a hearing.  No other actions are pending on this bill.

The bill has not yet been introduced in the Minnesota House.

Right now, this bill is NOT MOVING.

Visit our Bill Tracker for live 24×7 updates on SF1596

What SF1596 Does

Senate File 1596 is a ban on the sale or transfer of an expanded definition of “semi-automatic military-style assault weapons.”

Here’s specifically what the bill does:

  • First, the bill expands the definition in MN 624.712, Subdivision 7 of what a “semi-automatic military-style assault weapon” is
    • It adds nearly every semi-automatic rifle that can accept a detachable magazine
    • It adds nearly every semi-automatic shotgun with a pistol grip
    • It adds nearly every semi-automatic pistol that can accept a detachable magazine along with a long list of accessories
    • It adds any “conversion kit, part, or combination of parts” from which such a weapon could be assembled.
  • Then, the bill prohibits all transfers of these firearms.  That means:
    • You cannot purchase such a firearm.
    • You cannot sell such a firearm.
    • You cannot give it away.
    • You cannot leave it to someone else in your will/estate plans.
    • You cannot transfer it out of state.
    • Upon your death your executor would need to either 1) destroy the firearm; 2) render it inoperable; or 3) turn it in to law enforcement
  • Finally, the bill allocates money for a buyback program to be administered by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

In short, this is total ban on the purchase, sale, or transfer of most semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and many semi-automatic pistols.

Read the bill text at the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Video Explainer

Bill Authors

Chief Author

  • Senator Jen McEwen (DFL – SD8)

Co-Authors

  • Senator Omar Fateh (DFL – SD62) – he is also running for Minneapolis Mayor
  • Senator Alice Mann (DFL – SD50)
  • Senator Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL – SD45)
  • Senator Liz Boldon (DFL – SD25)

Sign the Petition to STOP SF1596

AS A LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNER AND SUPPORTER OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT, I CALL UPON ALL MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE TO OPPOSE THE BAN ON SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARMS.





Contact your Legislators

The DFL Senate has introduced a bill that would ban most semi-automatic rifles, many semi-automatic shotguns, and even some handguns.

We need you to tell your Senator that you demand they OPPOSE any gun control efforts in the State of Minnesota by taking action TODAY.

Join the Fight

Here’s how else you can help stave off gun control and support pro-gun legislation in Minnesota.

  • JOIN the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus as a member.
  • DONATE:  If you’re already a member, consider an additional donation to help support our efforts.
  • BECOME A SECOND AMENDMENT DEFENDER:  Step up your activism by becoming a monthly donor as a part of our Second Amendment Defender Program.
  • VOLUNTEER:  Volunteer with the Caucus and help us staff events and get the word out across the state

Could SF1596 Pass?

In short, yes.

Right now, the DFL controls the MN Senate by one vote.  They could pass this bill tomorrow, but the GOP could not stop it.  Not a single DFL Senator is pro-gun – they’ve all voted for previous gun control like Red Flag Gun Confiscation, Universal Background Checks, and a Binary Trigger Ban.

The GOP controls the MN House by one vote.  It will likely return to a tie after the March special election.  The DFL only needs to flip one Republican on a gun vote to pass a gun control bill – and two Republicans reps previously voted for gun control last session.

So yes, it could pass.  And that’s why we need to put pressure on our legislators and NOT LET UP.

Still have questions?

Contact us at contact@gunowners.mn, and we’ll do our best to answer.