Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota issued a “Stay at Home” order to go into effect on Friday, March 27 through April 10. Executive Order 20-20 does not explicitly exempt firearm retailers and suppliers. However, firearm and ammunition manufacturers with defense contracts should be considered exempt from the order, being part of “critical manufacturing” and the “defense industrial base.”
FFLs may be deemed essential under the provision for: supply stores that sell products for the “maintenance of the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of homes or residences” as firearms are used to “maintain safety” in millions of American homes every day. The order also states that it should not “encourage or allow law enforcement to transgress individual constitutional rights.” Minnesota has very strong preemption language in the books, stating that in times of emergency, government officials may not impose special regulations on the lawful sale of firearms.
Due to the uncertainty for FFLs, please contact Governor Walz and request that he amend the order to explicitly designate the firearm industry as “essential.” NSSF® encourages members to adhere to CDC guidelines, practice social distancing and safeguard the health of employees and customers alike. NSSF will continue to monitor the situation in Minnesota.
