Minnesota Implements Stricter Gun Laws
Minnesota, August 1st, 2023 – As adult use of recreational marijuana grabs headlines with its newly acquired legal status for those over 21, other significant changes are taking effect in Minnesota today.
The state is joining 18 others in adopting tighter gun control measures, aiming to address concerns over gun violence and enhance public safety.
The gun control laws, which were passed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) controlled House and Senate, were signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, who made a promise to take decisive action to curb gun violence.
One of the main changes includes the expansion of background checks for gun sales.
Minnesota now requires both the owner and the buyer to fill out a detailed transfer record about themselves and the firearm.
Additionally, law enforcement has 30 days to process the sale, rather than the previous seven-day period.
Among the new restrictions, gun owners are no longer allowed to lend their firearms to others, preventing friends and family from handing over their rifles or shotguns for recreational purposes.
However, an exception exists for hunting trips, where the owner must accompany the person borrowing the firearm during hunting hours.
Those interested in purchasing a pistol or military-style rifle are now required to obtain a permit before completing the transaction.
Furthermore, the penalty for owning, possessing, or operating a machine gun, trigger activator, or machine gun conversion kit has been increased from five to 20 years, reflecting the state’s determination to deter illegal possession of such firearms.
Another crucial aspect of the new gun laws is the so-called “red flag law.” Set to take effect on January 1st, 2024, this provision empowers authorities to remove firearms from individuals deemed to be “a risk to themselves or others”, ensuring intervention in potential cases of imminent danger.
Rob Doar, Senior Vice President of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, expressed concern about the impact of these laws on law-abiding gun owners. He argued that imposing restrictions on peaceful gun owners would not effectively address violent crime and advocated for more comprehensive strategies to address mental health issues and criminal misuse of firearms.
The new gun control measures are part of a broader package of public safety bills passed during this legislative session, a product of the DFL’s dominance in Minnesota’s political landscape.
With control over four of the state’s eight U.S. House seats, Senate seats, both chambers of the state legislature, and all other statewide offices, Democrats in Minnesota have been able to implement one of the most progressive agendas in the country. While proponents argue that these measures will enhance public safety, critics express concern about potential infringements on constitutional rights and urge policymakers to consider alternative solutions to address underlying issues related to gun violence.
As Minnesota enacts these new laws, it joins a growing number of states across the country that are reevaluating their approach to firearms regulation in an effort to strike a balance between individual rights and public safety.
Opinion: While it is essential to address the issue of gun violence and enhance public safety, the new gun control laws in Minnesota, and similar measures in other states, raise concerns about potential overreach and the erosion of individual freedoms. Drawing parallels to the Gestapo may be extreme, but it is vital to remember that history has shown how totalitarian regimes have exploited disarmament to suppress dissent and consolidate power. Striking the right balance between reasonable gun regulation and safeguarding citizens’ rights is critical. Overly stringent gun laws could pose a problem for the American people in the event of a totalitarian regime or broad illegal government control. Responsible, evidence-based policies are necessary to address public safety without infringing on constitutional rights and preserving the democratic values that define our nation.