Minn. Lawmakers, Prosecutors Push Tougher Gun Laws

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's county prosecutors are teaming up with state lawmakers on legislation that would expand the power of prosecutors to charge violent felons for possessing firearms.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and two DFL lawmakers unveiled the proposal Thursday at the Capitol. They say the bill's handful of changes are aimed at cutting gun violence by giving prosecutors tools to crack down on gun possession by people convicted of violent crimes, or ruled by a judge to be dangerous.

The bill includes a provision to prohibit gun possession by people convicted of felony domestic violence, and would prohibit felons who can't own guns from buying ammunition.

Public safety committees in both the House and Senate plan comprehensive upcoming hearings about numerous proposed changes to gun laws.

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