Minnesota House of Representatives
PRESS RELEASE
March 26, 2026
House Republicans Refuse to Stand with the Majority of Minnesotans Who Support Gun Violence Prevention Measures
St. Paul, MN - Today, House Republicans voted in lockstep to deny common-sense gun violence prevention measures from advancing in the legislative process. The proposed legislation would ban assault weapons (HF 3433, authored by Rep. Emma Greenman) and ban high-capacity magazines (HF 3402, authored by Rep. Brad Tabke).
"House DFLers are committed to meaningful action on gun violence, including getting weapons of war off our streets and banning high-capacity magazines. Minnesotans deserve to be safe, and they are demanding we pass solutions,” said House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson. “Despite Republicans being in lockstep against what the majority of Minnesotans support, we're not giving up. We will continue working to pass these bills. Republicans have made it clear where they stand — now Minnesotans can see who's standing in the way of safer communities."
Polls have regularly found that the majority of Minnesotans support these proposals, including a recent poll that found 79% of suburban Minnesotans support an assault-weapons style ban, with the Twin Cities (71%) and Greater Minnesota (62%) also overwhelmingly in support.
“It feels like the only place where these proposals are controversial is in this chamber,” said Rep. Brad Tabke. “Despite support from everyday Minnesotans across the political divide, Republican politicians once again voted with the gun lobby. Banning high-capacity magazines will make Minnesotans safer, and I will continue to push for this bill.”
Since 2016, all 10 of the highest casualty mass shootings have involved the use of at least one firearm equipped with a high-capacity magazine. When shooters stop to reload, that’s when law enforcement have a chance to stop them, and targeted victims - people - have a chance to get away. Research shows that states with restrictions on magazine size experience mass shootings at less than half the rate of states without restrictions.
“I am heartbroken that Republicans refused yet another opportunity to stand with the Annunciation families and the two thirds of Minnesotans who want us to keep weapons made for war out of our communities,” said Rep. Greenman. “But this is just one step in our fight to keep our kids and communities safe from gun violence. And we will continue this work for as long as it takes.”
Assault rifles are responsible for 85% of mass shooting deaths. Between 2015 and 2022, mass shootings where assault weapons were used resulted in nearly six times as many people shot, and more than twice as many people killed. They were designed for the military to effectively kill as many people as quickly as possible.
The legislation failed to advance on party-line votes. Video of today’s floor debate can be found on the House Public Information YouTube Channel.
###?