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 legislation to prevent gun violence 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.
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 keep people who are ineligible from owning or possessing a firearm aren’t able to buy one.
“One way to reduce senseless gun violence is to keep firearms out of the hands of people who have proven themselves to be dangerous. Criminal background checks and red flag laws are both effective approaches to this problem,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester). “The legislation House DFLers are approving today will help reduce senseless gun violence, so I’m proud to join the countless Minnesotans who have been advocating for these overdue changes to keep Minnesotans safe.”
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. Under today’s bill, criminal background checks would be required on all gun sales in Minnesota. However, the bill includes 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 away from people who are presenting a risk of harm 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.