HF 3647 Summary

• Requires background checks for all firearm transfers between unlicensed persons occurring in Minnesota, with both parties required to appear before a federally licensed dealer to facilitate the transfer.

• Establishes criminal penalties for transferring or receiving firearms without a background check: gross misdemeanor for first conviction, felony with up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine for second or subsequent convictions.

• Exempts transfers to immediate family members, law enforcement, transfers at death, antique firearms, temporary emergency transfers to prevent imminent death or bodily harm, and transfers at shooting ranges or organized competitions.

• Allows federally licensed dealers to charge reasonable fees for conducting background checks and facilitating transfers between unlicensed persons, with no requirement to file transfer reports.

• Effective August 1, 2017, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date; repeals prior provisions regarding transfers without background checks and unknown party transfers.