Federally licensed firearms dealers, manufacturers or importers will be permitted to possess silencers for the purpose of selling them or firearms tested with silencers for authorized activities.
The issue was brought forth by some federally licensed firearm dealers authorized to sell silencers; however, under current state statute, the possession and use of firearm silencers is prohibited, except for certain law enforcement and wildlife control activities. Therefore, salespeople were forced to sell a product that they could not demonstrate. There are an estimated 1,600 dealers in the state.
The law, sponsored by Rep. Mike Benson (R-Rochester) and Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), is effective Aug. 1, 2012. It was neither officially supported nor opposed by law enforcement associations.
Although 37 states allow anyone to own suppressors, the law does not allow personal use of silencers. One dealer testified during the committee process that if he were to sell a silencer to someone for personal use he could face prison time, a hefty fine and the loss of his license to sell.
Among concerns expressed by opponents was that these silencers will be stolen from dealers and used for illegal purposes.
HF1816*/
SF2125/CH194
Keeping the courts adequately funded
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Governor vetoes public safety bill
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DNA - It’s all in the family
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Creating a ‘Safe Harbor’
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Two omnibus bills merged into one
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Minnesota Index: State corrections
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How young is too young?
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Published 2/18/2011