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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Tony Cornish

389 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4240

For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317

Posted: 2005-04-13 00:00:00
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NEWS COLUMN

EXPECT FUTURE DEBATE ON CITIZENS PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT

Last week, the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling that struck down a law expanding access to concealed weapon permits. The Court believes the Legislature improperly passed the Citizens Personal Protection Act by amending it to a non-relevant bill.

To be honest, I was surprised and disappointed by the ruling. The Personal Protection Act created a fair and uniform statewide standard on the issuance of permits while closing some loopholes that concerned critics. It allowed law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for protection and respected their fundamental right of self-defense, and it actually was more restrictive than Minnesota’s current gun-permitting law.

What’s sad is that the naysayers predicted doom and gloom after the bill passed two years ago, and none of it ever came close to happening. The legislation was working fine, as we saw no increases in crime, suicide or household accidents – all of which were claimed by opposing lawmakers and organizations.

Now, Minnesota reverts back to the old law, which means permit holders can carry a handgun into a daycare center, school or business. It means there are no drinking limits for those who have a concealed handgun permit, no proficiency tests for an applicant to pass, and no enhanced penalties for felons who were authorized to carry a handgun.

There are several options on the table to resurrect this law. We could see if Attorney General Mike Hatch appeals the ruling and argue the case before the Minnesota Supreme Court. We could suspend the Minnesota House rules and once again vote the bill up or down on the House floor, or we could amend it to a more relevant bill to satisfy the courts.

Opponents predicted the sky would fall and that Minnesota would turn into the Wild West. The argument was ludicrous then, and it is ludicrous now. I am hopeful the Legislature will be able to pass The Personal Protection Act for a second time, and continue the success of this restrictive handgun law.

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