WINONA, Minn. – Thirteen southern Minnesota sheriffs called on legislators to reject bills that would require gun owners to store their guns and ammunition in separate locations. The bill also would require that guns be locked during sales or transfers. The sheriffs, ncluding Ron Ganrude of Winona, called the proposed requirements unnecessary. Also, they said, such a law “would make responsible gun owners criminals for not locking up their firearms.” The signatories:
Dodge County: Scott Rose.
Fillmore County: John DeGeorge.
Freeborn Cunty: Ryan Shea.
Goodhue County: Marty Kelly.
Houston County: Brian Swedberg.
LeSueur County: Scott Mason.
Mower County: Steve Sandvik.
Olmsted County: Kevin Torgerson.
Rice County: Jesse Thomas.
Steele County: Lon Thiele.
Wabasha County: Rodney Bartsch.
Waseca County: Jay Dulas.
Winona County: Ron Ganrude.
Legislative status
Fifty bills have been introduced in the Minnesota House regardug firearms and dangerous weapons. The sheriff’s criticism is aimed at the bill offered by four-term state Representative Jamie Becker-Finn, D-Roseville. The bill has 27 co-sponsors. The bill has been approved by the House Public Safety Committee and referred to rhe Ways and Means Committee. A companion bill is on the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee agenda.