District 3 Sheriffs have recently shared their thoughts on the MN House of Representatives overreaching with Firearms and Ammunition Storage Requirements.
Minnesota state representatives have recently been working on a bill, House File 396, Firearm and Ammunition Storage Requirements.
Recently authorities from District 3 have voiced their opinions on the manner and how they believe the bill infringes on the rights of lawful gun owners, and how the bill is a clear overreach of government and the rights of each person to be secure in their home.
It is the opinion of Sheriffs in district 3, “The bill will have no positive effect on the public.”
Currently there is a statute that addresses negligent storage of Firearms MN 609.666.
The statute explains that leaving firearms in a location where a person knows or reasonably knows a child can access the firearm, unless reasonable action is taken to make the firearm secure, it is a gross misdemeanor criminal charge.
However, House File 396 seeks to expand on this statute by requiring all firearms to be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant lock.
It also requires ammunition to be stored separately from the firearm, with the same locking requirements.
District 3 Sheriffs argue that this bill goes too far and infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners who may need immediate access to their firearms for self-defense.
They also argue that the bill will be difficult to enforce and could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased crime rates.
Proponents of the bill argue that it will promote public safety by reducing accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms.
They also argue that the bill is not a violation of the Second Amendment, as it does not ban or restrict access to firearms.
The debate over House File 396 is likely to continue, with both sides passionately arguing their points. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed into law or not.
In the meantime, the District 3 Sheriffs urge the public to be responsible gun owners and to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their firearms, regardless of whether the bill passes or not.
17 of the District 3 County Sheriffs; Sheriff Brian Cruze along with Sheriff Mark Brown, Sheriff Derek Olson, Sheriff Troy Wolbersen, Sheriff Jon Combs, Sheriff Eric Tollefson, Sheriff Allen Anderson, Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons, Sheriff Tim Riley, Sheriff Scott Hable, Sheriff Jason Dingman, Sheriff John Holtz, Sheriff Mike Allen, Sheriff Trevor Wright, Sheriff Tony Harris, and Sheriff Bill Faten, signed a letter asking the House of Representatives to rethink the House File 396, Firearm and Ammunition Storage Requirements.