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Lawmakers to unveil gun bill

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Mar 6, 2013 at 7:10 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota lawmakers are unveiling a new plan to modestly revise the state's gun laws that is emerging as the Legislature's best bet to pass changes this year.

The Associated Press reported Friday that the National Rifle Association was building support for an alternate to the plan from the House Democrat who led gun hearings last month. Rep. Debra Hilstrom, a Brooklyn Center Democrat is expected to explain her bill Wednesday morning.

The new bill is expected to address some mental health issues, add to the parameters of who cannot legally own a gun and help county attorneys crack down on illegal gun owners. It won't impose universal background checks for gun purchases.

House Speaker Paul Thissen says the new bill is "what we know can get done right now."