ST. PAUL, MN-Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), Representative John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman have announced the introduction of legislation to allow prosecutors to crack down on gun crimes and those possessing guns illegally.
“We need to focus on legislation that helps our prosecutors keep guns out of the hands of people known to have a violent past,” said Sen. Latz. “These proposals will have a large impact on known offenders and their ability to purchase another weapon.”
At a news conference Thursday morning, Sen. Latz and Rep. Lesch said the package of proposals developed by Freeman and supported by the board of Urban Minnesota County Attorneys will be effective in cutting gun violence. Among other changes, the legislation will keep guns away from convicted felony domestic violence offenders by defining it as a crime of violence and increasing the penalty for possessing a firearm.
"This bill is a collaborative effort to keep guns away from convicted criminals, children, and those whom a court has ordered civilly committed," said Rep. Lesch. "It is a common sense approach by law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe."
The legislation will be one piece of a larger discussion at the Capitol surrounding gun control. Gun control has been a hot topic of discussion and legislators will continue to look for common sense solutions to this growing problem.
“This package of practical laws will allow prosecutors throughout the state to get guns out of the hands of people who have shown they are dangerous and put them back in prison if they are found with a gun or ammunition,” Freeman said.
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