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St. Paul Passes Contingent Assault‑Weapon Ban as Gun‑Rights Groups Sue

State preemption keeps the rules dormant, setting up an immediate court test.

Overview

  • City Council voted 7–0 to approve an ordinance banning assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers and unregistered ghost guns within city limits.
  • The measure also limits firearms in many city-owned spaces, requires signage, and outlines penalties and enforcement that would activate only if state law changes.
  • Because Minnesota Statute 471.633 preempts local firearm regulation, the ordinance will not take effect unless the Legislature repeals or amends that law.
  • The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center filed suit within hours, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and arguing the ordinance is unlawful.
  • Mayor Melvin Carter says the city is ready to act if preemption is lifted, and City Attorney Lyndsey Olson defends contingent ordinances as a common legal tool as other cities in a 17-city coalition, including Edina, weigh similar steps.