Bump stocks have garnered much attention in 2024, as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill, where the ban on bump stocks in federal regulation was overturned by the United States Supreme Court.
In this article, we explain the legal status of bump stocks here in Minnesota.
Bump Stocks are Banned in Minnesota
Bump Stocks were banned in Minnesota in 2023 through a bill where the legislature amended MN 609.67 to include a statutory definition of a bump stock as a “trigger activator”. Possession of a bump stock in Minnesota is a felony with a potential 20 year sentence.
You can read MN 609.67 here.
The specific language in MN 609.67 is:
(2) a device that allows a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger or by harnessing the recoil of energy of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger.
Supreme Court: Garland v. Cargill (2024)
In June 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Garland v. Cargill that the ATF had exceeded its statutory authority when banning bump stocks. You can read the decision here.
This case was NOT decided on Second Amendment grounds and does not impact Minnesota’s statutory ban on bump stocks.
Potential Legal Action
It is possible that Minnesota’s ban on bump stocks could be overturned through a constitutional challenge. This is one of several cases we may pursue in the future.
GET IN THE FIGHT
Here’s how else you can help fight 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