Gun control talks on the agenda for upcoming Minnesota legislative session
January 29, 2013
By Zac Humphrey
ST. PAUL, Minnesota: The debate on gun control is continuing all across the country, with the Minnesota State Legislature taking up the issue in the coming session.[1]
State Representative Michael Paymar (D), chair of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, is planning to hold hearings over the course of three days to discuss a myriad of proposals on how to reduce gun violence. His goal is to allow all sides to present their proposals. From there, work can be done to craft a more complete bill to help lessen gun violence.[1]
State Senator Scott Dibble (D), chair of the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee, is planning to hold similar hearings in the Minnesota Senate to those being planned in the Minnesota House.[2]
Gov. Mark Dayton has said that any legislative efforts on gun control could face challenges from the courts. He has stated, however, that he is willing to have a discussion to see what can be done to bring down gun violence.[2]
Some of the proposals being suggested in the Minnesota House include:[1]
- Expanding background checks to gun shows and private purchase with respect to pistols and semi-automatic weapons
- A state ban on buying or selling assault weapons
- A state limit on magazine capacity
- Tightening current background screening process to prevent violent felons and people with severe mental health issues from being allowed to buy weapons
- Creating a minimum penalty for someone who commits a crime while carrying a weapon, even if the weapon wasn't used
- Allowing teachers and school workers with the proper permits to carry loaded weapons on school grounds
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