Saint Paul committee hears proposals to ban assault weapons, require serial numbers and expand safe-storage efforts; enforcement tied to state preemption repeal

The St. Paul Organization and Policy Committee on Oct. 15 heard detailed presentations on local options to curb gun violence, including a mayoral ordinance that would ban assault weapons, large-capacity magazines and binary triggers inside city limits, require serial numbers on firearms and expand secure-storage outreach. Committee members and outside advocates were clear that the ordinance is designed to take effect only after the state—s firearm preemption is repealed.

The proposed local ordinance, which the city said would come to the council for first reading Oct. 22 with a public hearing planned Nov. 5 and final action Nov. 12, would: ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines (the draft defines high-capacity magazines as 20 rounds), prohibit binary triggers, require serial numbers to make so-called "ghost guns" traceable, restrict firearms in "sensitive places" including parks, libraries, recreation centers and city-owned buildings with posted signage, and include exemptions for active-duty law enforcement, licensed firearms dealers, lawful in-transit transport and certain transfers to authorized agencies. Bryn House, St. Paul—s intergovernmental relations director, said the ordinance language also states enforcement would not begin until the state preemption is lifted.

Why it matters: City officials and gun-violence-prevention advocates told the committee that local ordinances could reduce deaths and injuries if cities…