The City of St. Paul adopted a comprehensive gun violence prevention ordinance November 12 that bans assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. This bold step strengthens the city’s ability to address illegal and dangerous firearm activity, contingent upon lawmakers lifting the state pre-emption.
“St. Paul stands ready to act on day one when the state lifts preemption,” said Mayor Carter. “This ordinance represents a collective effort by local leaders taking a long-overdue step to protect our children, families, and neighbors. Too many have suffered the unimaginable while others debated. It’s time for state leaders to meet us in this moment of urgency and safeguard the future our children deserve.”
Although the ordinance will not take effect until state preemption laws are lifted, it establishes five key provisions:
- Ban the possession of assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and binary triggers within city limits
- Prohibit untraceable “ghost guns,” by requiring all firearms to have serial numbers
- Restrict firearms in sensitive public spaces, such as parks, libraries, recreation centers, and city buildings
- Require clear signage in public facilities to inform residents of restrictions and encourage compliance
- Define enforcement authority and penalties—to take effect only if the state repeals or amends preemption law
The ordinance exempts active-duty law enforcement and military personnel, licensed federal firearms curators and transporting firearms through the city—as long as they keep the firearms unloaded, locked and in compliance with St. Paul’s safe storage ordinance…