St. Paul unveils a new proposal for a gun control ordinance, pending state action.
The city published a proposed gun violence prevention ordinance , which will be introduced during the City Council’s meeting next Wednesday.
That is aiming to ban assault weapons, untraceable "ghost guns," and restrict firearms in public spaces like parks and libraries.
The legislation is the first from a new city coalition, and will only take effect if state lawmakers repeal or amend preemption laws that currently prevent local governments from enforcing such regulations.
"Local leaders are standing up—no longer accepting excuses and inaction when it comes to addressing the gun violence epidemic," St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter posted on social media this week. "Together, we’re advancing local ordinances that protect our residents. The safety of our children, families, and neighborhoods is not up for debate."
City leaders are urging the state to lift the ban so they can immediately enact and enforce these stronger local policies.
Minneapolis and several other metro communities, along with Rochester, have asked for the same thing. St. Paul is the first to produce an official ordinance though.