Yesterday Senate Democrats passed a piece of controversial gun legislation that turns law-abiding gun owners into criminals and creates a binary trigger ban. Though the state already prohibits “machine guns,” similar automatic weapons, and conversion kits, this bill broadens the definition of “trigger activator,” and states that Minnesotans can no longer own guns with that feature. This law goes into effect on January 1, 2025, giving Minnesotans with these firearms virtually minimal time to figure out a disposal plan.

“Many guns are already manufactured with binary triggers and they are legal under federal law – to require law-abiding citizens to get rid of these guns is unconstitutional and wrong,” said Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). “What we should be doing is holding prosecutor and judges accountable for not putting felons in jail. Instead, Democrats want to punish law-abiding citizens and make them criminals. This bill undermines Second Amendment rights and is clearly unconstitutional on all fronts.”

In response to the tragedy that occurred in Burnsville, Republicans successfully offering an amendment to increase the penalties for straw purchasers from five years to ten years if the firearm they purchased to give to someone ineligible is used to assault or cause harm to a public safety officer. The amendment was adopted with broad bipartisan support.