Minnesota AR-15 Ban Advances: SF 3655 Moves From Committee to Senate Floor

Austin Reville
19 hours ago
3 min read

Minnesota State Capitol Building St. Paul, MN

A major gun control proposal in Minnesota has taken a significant step forward. Minnesota Senate File 3655—a bill targeting commonly owned semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15—has passed out of committee and is now headed to the floor of the Minnesota Senate for debate and a full vote.

For gun owners across the state, the move signals that one of the most aggressive firearm bans proposed in Minnesota in recent years is gaining traction.

What SF 3655 Would Do

The bill focuses on banning many semi-automatic rifles that fall under the political label of “assault weapons,” including AR-15 style rifles and other firearms that share similar design features. While the exact language of the bill includes detailed feature definitions, the practical impact is clear: some of the most commonly owned rifles in America would be prohibited from future sale, transfer, or manufacture within the state.

Like similar legislation introduced in other states, the bill targets firearms based largely on cosmetic or ergonomic features rather than how the firearm actually functions. These rifles operate the same way as many other semi-automatic firearms—firing one round per trigger pull.

A Familiar Strategy

Minnesota’s legislation mirrors a growing national push for semi-automatic rifle bans in several states. States like Virginia and New Mexico have considered similar proposals this legislative cycle. While some of those efforts have stalled or faced strong opposition, the continued push shows a coordinated effort to normalize bans on popular firearms.

Advocates of gun rights argue that the goal of these bills is not primarily crime reduction but rather the gradual expansion of firearm prohibitions.

The Constitutional Question

One of the central issues surrounding bills like SF 3655 is whether they can survive constitutional scrutiny. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that firearms “in common use” for lawful purposes are protected under the Second Amendment. The AR-15 platform is widely considered the most popular rifle in the United States, with millions in circulation.

That reality raises serious legal questions about whether banning such firearms can withstand the constitutional standards established in decisions like District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. If Minnesota ultimately passes the legislation, it would almost certainly face immediate legal challenges in federal court.

Impact on Law-Abiding Gun Owners

Critics of the bill say the measure does little to address violent crime while placing additional restrictions on law-abiding citizens. Rifles of any type—including semi-automatic rifles—are involved in only a small percentage of violent crimes nationwide. Yet these bills continue to target them because of their popularity and visibility.

For many Minnesotans, AR-15 style rifles are used for:

Sport shooting
Hunting
Home defense
Firearms training

Banning their future sale or transfer could have lasting impacts on lawful gun ownership and the firearms industry within the state.

What Happens Next

With the committee vote complete, SF 3655 now moves to the Minnesota Senate floor, where lawmakers will debate the bill and determine whether it advances further in the legislative process. Gun owners and Second Amendment advocates across the state are watching closely.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we believe legislation affecting fundamental constitutional rights deserves careful scrutiny and open debate. The Second Amendment is not a temporary privilege—it is a foundational liberty that must be defended whenever it is threatened. Minnesota gun owners should stay informed, contact their elected representatives, and make their voices heard as this legislation moves forward.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.