S.F. No. 3279 Summary

• Requires background checks through federally licensed firearms dealers for firearm transfers between unlicensed persons occurring in Minnesota, with both parties appearing jointly to request the check.

• Creates criminal penalties: first violation of transfer without background check is a gross misdemeanor; second or subsequent violation is a felony punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine.

• Exempts transfers between immediate family members, law enforcement, antique firearms, temporary emergency transfers to prevent death or bodily harm, and transfers at shooting ranges or competitions where transferor has no reason to believe transferee will use firearm in crime.

• Allows federally licensed firearms dealers to charge reasonable fees for facilitating background checks and transfers; prohibits transfer if transferee is federally prohibited or not entitled under state law to possess the firearm.

• Effective date is August 1, 2018, for crimes committed on or after that date.