ST. PAUL, Minn. – A gun safety bill has moved through the legislative process in the Minnesota House to a third committee. A companion bill is in process in the Senate. Both bills are among major 2023 goals of the Democratic majority in both houses. The bills would:
> Expand background check requirements for firearm sales and transfers.
> Allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from people flagged as threats.
The House bill passed the Judiciary Committee last week – Democrats all in favor, Republicans all opposed.The state already requires instant criminal background checks for gun sales at licensed dealers, that bill would extend the requirement to most private transfers of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. Police could deny transfer permits if they deem an applicant a danger to the public or themselves. Police and mental health groups support both bills but not the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus or the National Rifle Association.