Unlawful possession of firearms penalties enhancement provision

Minnesota Senate File 4910 (SF4910) is a proposed law that aims to increase penalties for individuals with prior violent crime convictions who unlawfully possess firearms or ammunition. Specifically, the bill would make it a felony for such individuals to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 15 or 20 years and fines up to $30,000. The bill also ensures that individuals convicted under this provision cannot be separately convicted under related firearm possession laws for the same conduct, unless they have had their firearm rights restored. This measure seeks to deter and punish unlawful firearm possession among individuals with violent crime histories. ([track.mn](https://track.mn/legislative_instruments/0942025-sf4910?utm_source=openai))

MN SF4910 is a senate bill in the Minnesota 94th Legislature 2025-2026, sponsored by Jeff Howe (R), currently “Introduced” since March 26, 2026.

We track 10,590 Minnesota bills this session, 124 of them sponsored by Jeff Howe.

While specific media coverage of SF4910 is limited, the bill aligns with broader efforts in Minnesota to enhance public safety by strengthening firearm regulations. For instance, in May 2023, the Minnesota Legislature approved significant gun control measures, including a 'red flag' law and expanded background checks for private gun sales, aiming to improve community safety. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/16/minnesota-gun-control-bills-red-flag-background-check-pass-walz?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, in January 2024, St. Paul enacted a landmark ordinance tightening firearm storage requirements, reflecting a proactive approach to gun safety. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/01/30/st-paul-safe-storage-gun-lock-rules-enforcement?utm_source=openai)) These initiatives suggest a supportive environment for SF4910's objectives.

Although direct media reactions to SF4910 are scarce, similar legislative efforts have faced criticism. In May 2023, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus criticized new gun control measures as unconstitutional, indicating potential opposition to SF4910. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/16/minnesota-gun-control-bills-red-flag-background-check-pass-walz?utm_source=openai)) Furthermore, in January 2026, gun rights advocates pushed back against FBI Director Kash Patel's comments on firearm possession at protests, highlighting ongoing debates over firearm regulations in the state. ([thedailybeast.com](https://www.thedailybeast.com/keystone-kash-gets-smacked-down-by-gun-rights-group/?utm_source=openai)) These instances suggest that SF4910 may encounter resistance from gun rights groups concerned about constitutional rights and the impact of such legislation on lawful gun ownership.