ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota state senators are diving into the debate over gun control measures at the Capitol.

The Senate Judiciary Committee convenes Thursday and Friday to review a handful of bills related to gun rights. Up on Thursday are bills that require all gun sales go through licensed dealers, strengthen restrictions on access to guns by mental illness sufferers, expands liability for people who aid restricted individuals in obtaining guns they’re not allowed to own, and allows some retired peace officers to carry guns without a permit.

Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Ron Latz says the Senate won’t consider a controversial assault weapons ban that was introduced in the House. That measure generated intense opposition at recent House hearings on gun bills. Latz says that issue is best handled at the federal level.

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