Minnesota’s majority Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers have passed a pair of gun control measures following several hours of debate, and both bills are headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his anticipated signature.
The package includes a “red flag” provision and another tenet requiring background checks on all firearm transfers, including private transactions on handguns and semi-auto “military-style assault weapons.”
The House voted 69-63 on what the Duluth News Tribune called “a mostly party line vote” early Tuesday following several hours of debate that began Monday. This was after the Senate passed the bill on a 34-33 partisan vote. The newspaper said the legislation provides $3.5 billion in funding for public safety over the next two years.
However, there are also revised policies “aimed at reforming criminal sentencing,” which critics contend reduces public safety. As explained by the Duluth newspaper, the “Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act” makes changes to the parole system, allowing early release (50% sentence completion) on condition they complete drug treatment or sex offender programs. Republican critics say this amounts to a “get out of jail free card” provision, the newspaper reported.
“How can this be a public safety bill and we are reducing sentencing? How can this be a public safety bill and we are making it harder for lawful gun owners to protect themselves?” said Rep. Pam Altendorf, (R-Red Wing), the newspaper noted.
Axios is reporting that Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, believes the gun control provisions will be “ineffective” and are “unconstitutional.”
Only one Democrat crossed the aisle to vote “no” in the House, Rep. Dave Lislegard (D-Iron Range), Axios said.
Republicans wanted tougher enforcement of existing gun laws.
Axios acknowledged near the end of its report, “The vote is the latest example of Democrats using their full control at the Capitol to pass progressive priorities that stalled under divided government in recent years.”
Minnesota is not the only state where Democrats have pushed through additional gun restrictions this year, all under the banner of “gun reform” and “public safety.” Possibly the most significant was Washington’s ban on so-called “assault weapons,” which will allow current owners of various semi-auto rifles to keep them but bans the future sale, manufacture and importation of new guns. The legislation was immediately challenged in federal court by the Second Amendment Foundation and National Shooting Sports Foundation, the latter with support from the National Rifle Association.
If Gov. Walz signs the legislation, it will take effect in August.
