Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz today (Fri) signed historic gun safety measures into law, including universal background checks and a red flag law that allows law enforcement to intervene when someone is at high risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm.
Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan were joined by former Arizona Congresswoman and gun violence prevention advocate Gabby Giffords, legislators, and gun safety advocates to celebrate the action taken to address gun violence. Giffords was shot in the head and seriously injured in a 2011 assassination attempt.
“As a veteran, gun-owner, hunter, and dad, I know basic gun safety isn’t a threat to the Second Amendment – it’s about keeping our kids safe,” said Governor Walz. “There’s no place for weapons of war in our schools, churches, banks, or anywhere else people are just trying to live their lives. Today is about taking meaningful action to create a safer future for our kids, and I am proud to sign this commonsense, life-saving legislation into law.”
Historic gun safety and violent crime prevention measures in Chapter 52, Senate File 2909 include:
Universal Background Checks
The bill requires a background check for private party transfers of pistols and semiautomatic weapons. A background check is not required for a private transfer of a hunting rifle or between immediate family members. Both parties must retain a copy of the record of the transfer for 10 years.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Extreme risk protection orders, also known as “red flag laws,” allows a family member, guardian, city or county attorney, or police chief to intervene when someone is at high risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm.
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
The bill invests over $43 million over four years for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to combat violent crime statewide. This investment will provide increased funding for BCA lab analysis, analytics supports, and to continue partnerships with local law enforcement.
Limiting No-Knock Warrants
The bill limits the use of no-knock warrants. These warrants can only be allowed if either the search cannot be executed while the premises is unoccupied or the occupants in the premises present an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the officers executing the warrant or other persons.
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(Gov. Walz release)
(Photo: MN Senate Media)
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