SAINT PAUL, Minn. — This evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives will approve legislation that would expand criminal background checks on all gun sales and establish extreme risk protection orders. Passing gun violence prevention legislation is a top priority for House DFLers. Despite overwhelming support among Minnesotans and bipartisan support in other states, Senate Republicans have so far refused to take action to prevent senseless gun violence.
“Minnesotans have had enough of the heartbreaking tragedies caused by senseless gun violence and it’s time for action. Tonight, I’m proud to support criminal background checks and red flag laws, which are two effective solutions to save lives,” said Rep. Jack Considine (DFL – Mankato). “We should do whatever we can to ensure that people who are dangerous can’t obtain firearms. Community members who have vocally advocated for responsible gun laws aren’t giving up, and neither am I.”
Criminal background checks on all gun sales are already required in 21 states and the District of Columbia. States that have taken this approach have experienced lower homicide rates, lower firearm suicide rates, and less firearm trafficking.
Minnesota’s current background check system has loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to obtain guns through online dealers and gun shows. Expanding criminal background checks would help ensure that people who are ineligible from owning or possessing a firearm aren’t able to do so. Criminal background checks would be required on all gun sales, with common-sense exceptions such as person-to-person transfers between family members and transfers that occur while hunting, at the range, or during a competition.
Extreme risk protection orders (ERPO) would help keep guns out of the hands of people who’ve proven to be dangerous to themselves or others. This tool allows law enforcement to temporarily restrict access to firearms if a court of law determines that an individual poses a significant danger. ERPO laws have reduced firearm suicides, homicides, and mass shootings in other states, and they are currently in use in 17 states and the District of Columbia.