Watch CBS News

House Passes Bill To Let Attorneys Carry Guns

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House has passed two bills that would increase personal security for county attorneys, including one that would let them carry guns.

The House passed the gun bill in a 130-1 vote Wednesday. The bill would allow county attorneys to carry a gun while on duty, but not in the courtroom.

The other bill would enhance criminal penalties for assaulting a prosecutor and killing a prosecutor. Under the bill, a person who kills a prosecutor could be charged with first-degree murder. The bill passed a 130-1 vote.

The bills took on special urgency after Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell was shot and wounded in December last year.

The Senate companion bills are still in committee.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.