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State Representative Rena Moran
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5158
For more information contact: Jessica Nyman 651-296-8877
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Passage of Gun Bill is Reckless Policy Making
Saint Paul, Minnesota – Today, the GOP-led State House of Representatives passed a controversial bill that will make significant changes to current gun-related laws in Minnesota. HF 1467, the Omnibus Gun Bill, would greatly expand on a current Minnesota law known as the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to execute deadly force in order to prevent danger within their home. Provisions in the bill would not make individuals or communities safer, says State Representative Rena Moran.
“Simply put, passage of this bill is unnecessary policy making with reckless results," said Rep. Moran. “The implications of this bill will do nothing to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Of serious concern by some lawmakers and various organizations is the broadening of what constitutes a dwelling in the Castle Doctrine. In addition to a home, HF 1467 would define dwelling as a temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, overnight stopping accommodation of any kind, including a tent, deck, bicycle, sled, or boat.
“Minnesota already provides the right for an individual to protect themselves against deadly harm and there hasn’t been one case where a person has been charged when they were defending themselves,” explained Rep. Moran. “This is clearly a politically-motivated bill to appease gun lobbyists and fringe supporters.”
Additionally, the bill would necessitate prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person, who uses deadly force against another, did so for a reason outside of feeling threatened. As it is nearly impossible for prosecutors to find evidence to support the way a person feels or thinks, those who oppose the bill believe this provision would allow certain individuals to get away with murder.
Law enforcement officials and organizations across the state have voiced their concerns with the bill. The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, and then County Attorneys’ Association are all opposed to the bill.
“If we’re serious about safeguarding our communities and preventing violence, we should think very carefully about our priorities as lawmakers,” said Rep. Moran. “It is unreasonable and illogical to support a bill loosening state gun laws, while simultaneously slashing the Public Safety budget and cutting programs that keep our streets safe.”
News Items
- In Case You Missed It: Rep. Moran's Interview on Minnesota Public Radio's Daily Circuit - (Posted: Jun 3 2013 4:04PM)
- 2013 Legislative Session Wrap Up - (Posted: May 29 2013 10:27AM)
- Legislative Update: House Budget Moves Minnesota Forward - (Posted: May 7 2013 10:45AM)
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