The Minnesota House gave gun-rights groups a major victory on April 9 when a strong bipartisan majority passed a bill intended to allow more citizens to carry guns in public for self-defense, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
By an 85-46 vote, the Republican-controlled House approved a bill that makes major changes in the way permits are issued for carrying concealed weapons in public. The bill has long been a goal of the National Rifle Association and local gun-rights organizations, but was bitterly opposed by the law enforcement officials who issue the permits.
“Today is certainly a historic day on the House floor,” said House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon), a supporter of the bill.
The concealed weapons bill, which now faces a difficult battle in the Minnesota Senate, does away with the requirement that an applicant for a permit face a personal safety threat or has an occupational need to carry the gun. It also removes the discretion local law enforcement officials have in deciding whether to issue permits.
County sheriffs would be required to issue permits to adults, without disqualifying criminal or mental health histories, who have completed the required firearms training. To deny a permit to an otherwise qualified applicant, local law enforcement officials would have to go to court and show a pattern of dangerous behavior.
“This right of self-defense is intrinsic to our very existence,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Lynda Boudreau (R-Faribault), in kicking off 4&Mac251; hours of arguments on the House floor.
All but three House Republicans voted in favor of the bill. A total of 20 Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party members, mostly from rural areas and the Iron Range, joined them.
It was the first time in five years of grassroots lobbying that a concealed-weapons bill has advanced to the House floor for a showdown vote. While Independence Party Gov. Jesse Ventura has expressed support for the bill, it is in trouble in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor-controlled Senate.
On April 6, a companion bill was defeated by the Senate Crime Prevention Committee at a hearing with a large turnout by bill opponents. The Senate sponsor, Sen. Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington) said she will try to find a way to maneuver the bill around the committee roadblock, as soon as possible.
In floor debate on April 9, supporters argued that the bill recognizes an “inherent right” of self-defense, providing an “equalizer” for law-abiding citizens at a time when criminals are armed to the teeth.
“In spite of all the gun laws the left has passed . . . the reality is, there are crazy people out there, and they have guns,” said Rep. Mike Osskopp (R-Lake City), a supporter of the bill. “The crazy people have the guns, and the purpose of the Boudreau bill is to even the playing field.”
Supporters argued that in many ways, the bill would tighten existing law: by raising the age for permits from 18 to 21, by toughening background checks and by imposing stiffer training requirements. An amendment was adopted that prevents people with permits from taking their guns into schools or day-care centers without permission.
“We need to put an equalizer in the society,” said Rep. Bill Haas (R-Champlin). Added Rep. John Tuma (R-Northfield): “This is about freedom.”
Opponents of the bill—primarily urban and suburban DFLers—cited the strong opposition from organizations representing police chiefs, rank-and-file officers and county sheriffs. They said the bill will “open the floodgates” to thousands of new gun-carrying Minnesotans, making public places like malls and sports arenas less safe.
Rep. Betty Folliard (DFL-Hopkins), read a list of school shootings around the country. Rep. Andy Dawkins (DFL-St. Paul) said the bill will “shorten the time” period before Minnesota has a similar tragedy.
Other opponents suggested that an edgy society could be pushed into violence by the presence of weaponry in pockets and under car seats.