So This is How Minnesota Lans on Banning Assault Weapons

Published on October 21, 2025
Duration: 7:41

This video from Washington Gun Law, presented by William Kirk, explains how Minnesota is attempting to ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines through municipal ordinances, despite potential state preemption laws. It details the legislative landscape, the roles of figures like Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, and Mayor Melvin Carter, and the legal implications of state preemption statutes like Minnesota Statutes 471.633, which generally prevent local governments from enacting firearm regulations inconsistent with state law. The content emphasizes the importance of state preemption laws in maintaining uniform firearm rights across a state.

Quick Summary

Minnesota's state preemption laws, particularly Statute 471.633, prevent local municipalities like Minneapolis and St. Paul from banning assault weapons or large-capacity magazines. These local ordinances are likely void and unenforceable as state law supersedes any conflicting local regulations on firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Minnesota Gun Law Efforts
  2. 00:24Minnesota's Plan to Ban Assault Weapons
  3. 01:07State Preemption Laws Explained
  4. 01:27Assault Weapon and Magazine Bans
  5. 01:55Municipal Ordinances by Mayors Frey and Carter
  6. 02:46Details of Municipal Bans
  7. 03:54Impact of State Preemption Laws
  8. 04:18Minnesota Statute 471.633 Explained
  9. 05:18State Law Trumps Local Ordinances
  10. 06:01Importance of State Preemption Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Minnesota Statute 471.633 regarding firearms?

Minnesota Statute 471.633 establishes state preemption, meaning the state legislature holds exclusive authority over firearm regulations. This prevents cities, counties, and other local governmental subdivisions from enacting their own firearm ordinances that conflict with state law, with limited exceptions.

Can cities in Minnesota ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines?

Generally, no. Minnesota's state preemption laws, specifically Statute 471.633, prevent local municipalities from enacting ordinances that regulate firearms, ammunition, or their components. Any such local bans would likely be void and unenforceable.

Who is William Kirk from Washington Gun Law?

William Kirk is the President of Washington Gun Law, an organization that provides information and legal analysis on firearm laws, particularly concerning Second Amendment rights and state-specific regulations. He is presented as an expert in this video discussing Minnesota's legislative efforts.

Why are state preemption laws important for gun owners?

State preemption laws are vital because they ensure a uniform set of firearm regulations across an entire state, preventing a confusing patchwork of local laws. This protects gun owners from inadvertently violating laws by traveling between different municipalities with varying restrictions.

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