Minnesota DFL Unites Behind Assault Weapons Ban, Sets Up Court Fight

Minnesota Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar says passage of an assault-weapons ban is a top priority now that Democrats hold the governorship and both legislative chambers.

Snapshot

At a Wednesday press conference, Klobuchar said the gun-safety package that stalled under Gov. Tim Walz will now move forward, telling reporters, according to Bring Me The News, "The gun safety bill is going to get passed." With the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party controlling both chambers, the political roadblock that previously stopped the bill in the House is gone.

Key points

• Unified control: The DFL now holds the governor's office and majorities in both the state House and Senate, removing the barrier that blocked the ban in 2025 and 2026.
• No timeline given: Klobuchar did not say when the legislation would move, according to Bearing Arms.
• Broader package: The push could extend beyond "assault weapons" to high-capacity magazines, privately made firearms, school safety and mental-health funding.
• Supreme Court wildcard: Bearing Arms' Tom Knighton notes the Viramontes case is still pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, which he argues is expected to rule against assault-weapon bans, potentially undercutting any Minnesota law.

Quick take

Knighton argues Klobuchar is moving ahead of a Supreme Court ruling that could gut the very ban she's promising, and predicts Minnesota lawmakers may try to draft around the decision the way New York did with its carry law, only to face fresh court challenges. Minnesota gun owners now have a governor and legislature aligned on gun control for the first time in years, with the fight likely shifting from the statehouse to the courts.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com