Committee advances measure to clarify 'trigger activator' definition amid industry opposition
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Summary
SF 4200 would clarify Minnesota's definition of trigger activators so devices that increase firing rate are clearly covered; the National Shooting Sports Foundation opposed the bill, warning about fiscal impacts and federal ATF guidance, but the committee adopted an effective-date amendment and recommended passage.
Sen. Gustafson presented SF 4200, which clarifies the state's definition of a ‘‘trigger activator’’ so that devices designed to substantially increase a firearm’s firing rate would be covered under Minnesota law. The sponsor cited a February 2024 shooting and said the change is intended to make the statute clear and enforceable.
Mariah Day of the National Shooting Sports Foundation opposed the bill, arguing that the ATF previously advised that common binary triggers do not qualify as machine-gun components and that a statewide ban would impose substantial costs on lawful owners and businesses. Day estimated individual replacement or gunsmithing costs in the high hundreds of dollars per firearm, and she said the proposal risks creating uncompensated takings for lawful owners.
Committee members debated the legal history and court challenges to prior enactments and asked whether the proposed language would effectively criminalize existing owners. Counsel and the sponsor acknowledged pending litigation and uncertainty in appellate proceedings; the committee adopted an amendment to set an effective date of July 1, 2026, to provide notice before criminal liability would apply.
After an amendment on effective date was adopted, senators moved SF 4200 as amended and the committee recommended the measure to pass and be referred to the Senate floor.