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

Minnesota passed an absolute ban on “binary triggers” during the 2024 legislative session as a part of a 1400+ page omnibus bill, House File 5247.  This was the Tax Omnibus bill, which was amended to include hundreds of provisions, including a binary trigger ban.

The ban takes effect on January 1st, 2025.

Last updated:  June 6th, 2024

What does this law do?

This law redefines “Trigger Activator” in MN 609.67 to include binary triggers and completely bans them from possession in Minnesota.

After January 1st, 2025, possessing a binary trigger is a criminal act for which a person can be sentenced to 20 years in state prison and a fine of not more than $35,000.

There is no grandfathering or allowance for existing owners.  There is no compensation for your currently legally owned binary triggers.

Who does this law impact?

This law impacts anyone possessing a binary trigger, even if not installed in a firearm.  Possession of a binary trigger will be a crime after January 1st, 2025.

The Blll Text & Definition of a "Binary Trigger"

The final bill text is available as Chapter 127 of the 2024 Session Laws. It was passed as House File 5247 and signed into law by Governor Walz.

Definition of a Binary Trigger

  • The definition as passed into law is:  “a device that allows a firearm to shoot one shot on the pull of the trigger and a second shot on the release of the trigger without requiring a subsequent pull of the trigger.”
  • You can read the definition in Article 36 of Chapter 127 at this link.

Earlier bill language before passage had a more expansive definition of a binary trigger that we believe would have impacted commonly owned Glocks and other firearms.  That definition was changed on the Senate floor before passage and later adopted by the conference committee.  The version, as passed into law, we believe, only impacts actual binary triggers and not other firearms.

Legal Action

We have legal concerns in three specific areas:

  • Minnesota’s single subject clause in our State Constitution.  This bill had a 6 page long title and contains a whole assortment of provisions that can’t possibly be seen as “single subject”
  • Second Amendment infringements
  • The “takings clause”

We are actively recruiting potential plaintiffs for this case.  Learn more on our Plaintiff Search page.

We are reviewing litigation options with our state and national partners and will decide during Summer 2024.

What should I do if I own a binary trigger?

Right now, we don’t recommend that you do anything.  This case may be litigated and is not effective until January 1st, 2025.

Options you could consider as that date gets closer:

  • Sell your binary trigger(s) to someone else.
  • Move your binary trigger(s) out of state.
  • Destroy your binary trigger(s).
  • Turn them into law enforcement before 1/1/2025.
  • Just keep them.  Unless reported to law enforcement, no one would know.  But remember, this comes with a potential 20 year prison sentence if caught.

Please note that we cannot give specific legal advice. You should consult with counsel regarding your unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you be suing over the binary trigger ban?

  • We are reviewing litigation options with our state and national partners and will decide during Summer 2024.

What are the penalties for violating this law?

  • After January 1st, 2025, possessing a binary trigger is a criminal act for which a person can be sentenced to 20 years in state prison and a fine of not more than $35,000.

When does the law take effect?

  • January 1st, 2025

What is the text of the ban?

  • See the links to the bill and the specific language above.

What is the legislative history of this bill?  Were their hearings?  What was your testimony?

I own a binary trigger today – is my ownership grandfathered?

  • There is no grandfathering or allowance for existing owners.

I own a binary trigger today – will I be compensated for losing my legally owned property?

  •  There is no compensation for your currently legally owned binary triggers.

I have questions, where can I go?

If you’ve read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) above and still have questions, contact us at contact@gunowners.mn and we’ll do our best to answer them.

GET IN THE FIGHT

Here’s how else you can help stave off gun control 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