(KNSI) — The Minnesota House passed the Judiciary and Public Safety budget bill, which included two gun control measures, early Tuesday morning.
The plan includes $880 million for the Supreme Court, a bump in compensation for judges and justices, and millions for other measures pertaining to the court system, such as civil legal services, public defenders, treatment court, and courtroom technology. Millions will also go toward law enforcement, public safety officer survivor benefits, body armor reimbursements, firearm storage grants, emergency management and preparedness, criminal apprehension, crime victim services, violent crime reduction strategies and investigations, and the Department of Corrections.
Proponents of the bill say the gun control measures will “keep guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them” by implementing criminal background checks for all firearm sales. That means private gun sales, not just purchases made at a firearm dealer. It also includes a red flag law that allows the courts to take guns away from someone they deem to be an immediate threat to themselves or others. Critics say the measures infringe on their Second Amendment rights and strip the people of due process.
“Our conference committee has worked tirelessly to craft a report which invests in several proven methods to make Minnesota safer for everyone. This bill was crafted with significant input from stakeholders and criminal justice partners to ensure our final bill includes the perspective and expertise from those who represent every corner of our public safety system,” said Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL – Shoreview) Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “Our public safety bill takes historic action to combat gun violence, support law enforcement and victims, and invest in innovative strategies to break cycles of violence. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for their help crafting this bill which meets current needs while laying the groundwork for a better and safer future.”
A press release from the House says, “This bill prevents crime before it happens with an unprecedented investment in community violence prevention grants. These grants will be used to fund a wide range of proven programs to address the root causes of crime and violence. This is a direct investment into communities that need it the most while recognizing that new approaches and alternatives are needed.”
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus denounced the passage of the anti-gun measures saying, “In the wake of these new laws, we are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of our members and supporters,” said Rob Doar, Senior VP of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. “We will be closely observing the implementation of these laws and will review potential legal actions with our national partners because protecting law-abiding gun owners is our mission and our duty. We will not be dismayed or dissuaded by the passage of new legislation.”
“While we are disappointed that several Democrats in swing districts decided to break their campaign promises by voting for gun control legislation, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is proud that we were able to put a stop to the majority of the Governor’s radical gun control agenda,” added Bryan Strawser, Chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus.
Governor Tim Walz has indicated he will sign the bill.
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