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St. Paul Passes Contingent Assault-Style Weapons Ban, First in 17-City Push

The measure remains dormant under state preemption, reflecting a strategy to ready local rules pending legislative change.

Overview

  • The City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance banning public possession of assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines once state law allows it.
  • Minnesota Statute 471.633 preempts local gun regulation, so the ordinance has no effect unless the Legislature lifts that restriction.
  • Provisions to take effect if permitted include a ban on magazines holding 20 or more rounds, prohibitions on binary triggers, serial-number requirements to curb ghost guns, and limits on guns in most city-owned spaces.
  • St. Paul is the first in a coalition of 17 cities pursuing model measures, with Minneapolis and several suburbs considering similar steps.
  • The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has threatened immediate lawsuits against cities that enact such ordinances, and it has specifically warned Edina as that city debates its approach.