Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed two gun safety measures into law, despite critique from Republicans. The measures include expanded background checks and a “red flag law,” which allows for the temporary removal of weapons from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Minnesota is now the 21st state to require background checks on almost all gun sales. At least 19 states have red flag laws in place, which permit family members, law enforcement, and judges to petition a court to temporarily remove weapons from deemed dangerous individuals.
Critics argue that the measures infringed on the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Republicans argue that they would not protect residents and called for more involvement in creating the bill. However, supporters say that these measures will protect communities and were included as part of a larger package of public safety measures.
Governor Walz is a gun owner and a hunter and stresses gun safety measures to protect minors from gun violence. He believes that military-grade weapons should not be available in places such as schools, churches, banks, and other everyday locations.
The new law also allows prison inmates to cut time off their sentences through education, training, or treatment, creates a Clemency Review Commission, and eliminates the requirement for Board of Pardons decisions to be unanimous. Additionally, the law restricts law enforcement in using no-knock warrants and creates new crimes of organized retail theft and carjacking.
Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, a survivor of an assassination attempt in 2011, was present at the signing alongside other activists. The bill passed without Republican support and bipartisan opposition.
Minnesota joins the ranks of sixteen states and Washington, D.C. that have enacted background check requirements for all gun sales. The federal government also supports states in administering red flag laws through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law by President Biden last year.
Critics, like the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, worry that the laws could lead to the unjust treatment of gun owners and do nothing to combat violent crime. However, supporters argue that the measures are a necessary step in protecting communities from a growing issue of gun violence.
Overall, the new laws in Minnesota bring the state in line with others who have taken similar steps to limit access to guns in times of crisis and for those with prior criminal convictions. Though controversial, proponents believe that these measures are necessary in creating a safer society for all.
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