Gun Safety Bill Would Expand Background Checks In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Gun safety supporters took a big step at the State Capitol today. They introduced a bill to require comprehensive background checks for most gun transfers.

It's an emotional issue at the legislature, and a coalition of gun safety advocates showed up to support it. The measure would require criminal background checks for most gun sales and transfers that are not covered now.

A group calling itself "Everytown for Gun Safety" says it's too easy for people to get guns, including domestic abusers and the mentally ill. The bill's author says 40 percent of gun transfers in Minnesota don't get a criminal background check, but he says this legislation does not expand gun laws.

"It does not create a registry of guns at the state or federal level," DFL Sen. Ron Latz of St. Louis Park said. "It does not take away anyone's guns. It does not restrict the kinds of guns an individual can buy or own."

The gun safety bill came on the same day as about 100 gun rights advocates rallied on the State Capitol lawn, calling for less restrictive gun laws.

Gun rights supporters have been successful at the Capitol in the last stopping most tougher gun laws, including after a major push for tougher gun safety laws after the grade shcool shootings at Sandy Hook.

Most members of the legislature don't think this bill will move forward. Sen. Latz will give the bill a hearing in the Senate, but the chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Rep. Tony Cornish, said he won't give the bill a hearing because it doesn't do anything.

Rep. Cornish also labeled supporters of the bill "Gun Grabbers of America."