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House panel holding gun hearings

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Jan 28, 2013 at 4:37 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A Minnesota House committee is gearing up for three days of hearings next week to take testimony on proposed changes to the state's gun laws.

The House Public Safety and Finance and Policy Committee has reserved Tuesday through Thursday for the hearings. Committee Chairman Michael Paymar says he anticipates as many as 10 bills to either restrict or expand the presence of guns will be heard.

Paymar, who supports tightening the state's gun laws, says votes will come later in the session on a comprehensive gun bill. Some possible components are mandatory background checks for purchases of pistols and semi-automatic guns no matter where a gun is sold and limits on the size of bullet clips. The panel will also hear a bill allowing teachers to arm themselves in schools.