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Edina council passes firearms ordinance on first reading, contingent on state preemption change
Summary
After a public town hall and lengthy debate, the council approved on first reading Ordinance 2025‑17, which would regulate military‑style weapons, high‑capacity magazines and ghost guns only if state preemption is lifted or clarified; city attorney and members flagged litigation risk and invited legislative action.
Edina’s City Council adopted, on a first reading, a contingent firearms ordinance intended to take effect only if state law no longer preempts municipal firearms regulation.
The ordinance (2025‑17) follows a January town hall and takes a form similar to a St. Paul ordinance. City Attorney Dave Kendall told the council a contingent effective date is legally defensible but could be the subject of litigation: "It is possible for an ordinance to have a contingent effective date," he said at the meeting, adding that courts will ultimately resolve the issue.
Council members who supported the measure framed it as a public‑health and safety step and a signal to the Legislature. Council member Jackson said Edina could be a statewide leader, pointing to previous municipal efforts that later helped shape state law. Opponents and cautious members raised concerns about the patchwork of local laws and the need for statewide consistency. Council members emphasized that, if state law remains unchanged, the ordinance would not operate; the ordinance requires a later council resolution to certify those provisions that become effective.
The council voted to approve the ordinance on a first reading; it will return for final passage at a subsequent meeting. Several council members said they expect the state court litigation over St. Paul’s ordinance will influence Edina’s approach and that the city attorney will continue to monitor legal risks.
What happened: Council approved Ordinance 2025‑17 on first reading, setting a contingent city standard that could become effective only if state preemption were removed or narrowed. City staff and legal counsel will continue to track the St. Paul litigation and report to the council before final adoption.
