In 2012, Muhlbauer said he supported a ban on semi-automatic weapons, suggesting that a retroactive ban where currently-held guns would be seized was possible. Templeton Mayor Ken Behrens (R) said such a proposal showed that Muhlbauer was out of touch with Carroll County, which he represented. Muhlbauer later clarified his comments, saying "Let me be clear, I don't want anyone who legally has a gun to have it taken away. As a gun owner and hunter myself, I respect the Second Amendment and the rights of other gun owners."