MN SF2493

Requires background checks conducted by federally licensed firearms dealers for all firearm transfers between unlicensed persons occurring in Minnesota, effective August 1, 2017.

Both transferor and transferee must appear jointly before a licensed dealer to request the background check and facilitate the transfer; dealer must process transfer as if from dealer's own inventory and comply with all federal and state requirements.

Violators face gross misdemeanor charges for first offense and felony charges (up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine) for second or subsequent offenses.

Exempts transfers involving federally licensed dealers, law enforcement, immediate family members, estate transfers, antique firearms, curios/relics, temporary emergency transfers, and transfers at shooting ranges, competitions, hunting, or in presence of transferor.

Licensed dealers may charge a reasonable fee for conducting background checks and facilitating transfers between unlicensed persons; no transfer report required for unlicensed person-to-person transfers.