ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Democrat-controlled Minnesota House passed a “safe storage” gun bill 68-64 that would ban storing firearms unless they’re unloaded and trigger-locked. Guns in a locked storage unit or gun room would be allowed. The requirement needs Senate approval. Republicans were thwarted in several attempts to dilute the requirement with amendments. Representative Peggy Scott, R-Andover, objected to safe storage: “Many women practice over and over, how can I get to my firearm the quickest, playing out scenarios in our minds of somebody breaking in on us.” Any delay in getting to a firearm would be unconscionable, Scott said. Kelly Moller, D-Shoreview, rebutted that greater risk would allowing multiple loaded guns around the house where a child might have easy access. Also, said Moller, nothing in the proposed law would prevent women from being prepared to defend themselves. How southeast Minnesota delegates voted:
For strict gun storage
Kim Hicks of Rochester (D-25A).
Tina Liebling of Rochester (D-24B).
Gene Pelowski of Winona (D-26A).
Andy Smith of Rochester (D-25B).
Against
Pam Altendorf of Red Wing (R-20A).
Greg Davids of Preston (R-26B).
Steve Jacob of Elba (R-20B).
Patricia Mueller of Oakdale (R-23B).
Duane Quam of Byron (R-24A).
Brian Pfarr of LeSueur (R-22B).