Unlawful possession of firearms penalties enhancement provision

This bill increases penalties for unlawful firearm possession in Minnesota, primarily affecting individuals with prior violent crime convictions and those prohibited from owning certain weapons. It raises the maximum prison sentence for people convicted of violent crimes who possess firearms from 15 to 20 years, and increases penalties for prohibited persons possessing assault weapons or ammunition from five to 15 years in prison. The legislation also makes transferring firearms to prohibited individuals a felony with a maximum sentence of four years instead of two, and increases penalties for dealers and others who violate transfer laws. These changes apply to offenses committed on or after August 1, 2026, and include exceptions for individuals whose firearm rights have been legally restored.