With six weeks left in the Minnesota state legislative session, gun control advocates are working to get what they say are “common sense” gun bills passed before it comes to a close.
Maggiy Emery with “Protect Minnesota” is among those pushing lawmakers, who are now back from break and set to dig into the final month and a half of the law-making season.
Emery says things have never been more out of hand, and legislation is needed to protect Minnesotans.
“In the time since legislators left, for their Easter and Passover break, there have been eight mass shootings in just that time in the U.S.,” Emery said. “We have six weeks of legislative session left. How many more mass shootings are there going to be in that time?”
Emery says Minnesota saw 570 gun deaths in 2021, 70% of which were suicides.
Currently, bills circulating through the state capital include the so-called “red flag” laws, which would get guns out of the hands of those who are considered vulnerable.
Other legislation being considered includes laws that would put universal background checks in place and provide more funding for violence intervention measures.
Rob Doar with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus shared that his group supports helping stop gun violence and providing help for those suffering from mental health issues.
“We heard things about community violence prevention, something which we’ve always supported,” Doar said. “We’ve also been strong advocates for increased mental health resources, particularly out in greater Minnesota, where the need is so great.”
Support appears to be lacking to get the bills across the finish line and onto Governor Walz’s desk, but advocates say they will continue to push for change.
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