Penalties for unlawful possession of firearms increased.

This bill increases criminal penalties for unlawful possession of firearms in Minnesota, directly affecting individuals who have prior violent crime convictions or are otherwise prohibited from owning guns. It raises the maximum prison sentence for those with violent crime convictions who possess firearms from 15 to 20 years and increases fines up to $30,000. The legislation also elevates penalties for prohibited persons possessing certain weapons from gross misdemeanors to felonies with up to 15 years in prison, and extends sentencing enhancements for offenses committed in sensitive locations like schools and parks. Additionally, it increases penalties for illegally transferring firearms to prohibited individuals, raising the maximum sentence from two to four years for private transfers and from five to eight years for transfers resulting in subsequent violent crimes. All changes take effect on August 1, 2026.