MN SF1277

Authorizes federally licensed firearms and ammunition manufacturers, importers, and dealers to possess firearm silencers for testing, selling, or transferring silencers and tested firearms or ammunition to government agencies, the U.S. Armed Forces, and other federally licensed manufacturers.

Requires manufacturers and dealers to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under 18 U.S.C. section 923 and must comply with all federal requirements.

Allows transfers of tested silencers and firearms to chief administrators of federal, state, or local government agencies; U.S. Armed Forces commanders; and other federally licensed firearms or ammunition manufacturers.

Maintains existing authorizations for law enforcement to use silencers during tactical emergency response operations and for wildlife control officers to use silencers for stealth operations approved by the commissioner of natural resources.

Takes effect August 1, 2013.