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State Representative Susan Allen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7152
For more information contact: Jenny Nash 651-296-4122
Press/News Releases
Expanding “Shoot-First” Law a Big Mistake
Today, the Minnesota Legislature sent a reckless bill to Governor Dayton that lowers the threshold for a person to legally discharge a gun at another person. The current law already allows use of deadly force to prevent a crime from happening in one’s home. The new proposal expands the legal use of deadly force to outside the home and includes when a person perceives a reasonable threat.
“I strongly oppose this bill because it sets a dangerous precedent. It is based on individual fear, which is impossible to measure or evaluate," stated Rep. Susan Allen. “It appears to do nothing more than provide legal cover for shooting another person.”
A major concern is the bill broadens the definition of what is considered a dwelling. In addition to a home, it defines a dwelling as a temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, overnight stopping accommodation of any kind, including a tent, deck, bicycle, sled, or boat. In addition, under existing law, a person has a duty to try and retreat first from a threat when in a public space – this bill would remove that duty.
Other problems are that it limits the ability of police to confiscate firearms as well as making Minnesota recognize permits-to-carry from all other states, not just states with permit requirements similar to our own. This is why the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, and the County Attorneys’ Association are against this bill.
“The “Shoot First” bill loosens gun laws at a time when public safety budgets are stretched,” stated Allen. “We have been in session for over a month now. It is frustrating that we keep debating proposals on the House Floor that have nothing to do with creating jobs. We should be focused on finding common ground on how to strengthen our economy and not passing reckless gun bills,” concluded Allen.
Governor Dayton is expected to veto the bill.
News Items
- REP. FRITZ STATEMENT ON HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE BILL - (Posted: Mar 4 2013 5:48PM)
- Dayton Budget Supports Education and Working Families - (Posted: Jan 31 2013 12:00AM)
- STATE REP. SUSAN ALLEN APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE CIVIL LAW COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 17 2012 12:00AM)
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