SAINT PAUL, Minn. – As negotiations continue for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature, it’s unclear if Democrats have enough votes to pass bills that would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
There are 67 DFLers and 67 Republicans in the Minnesota House.
Earlier this week, Governor Tim Walz and DFL legislative leaders released a proposal for a special session after Minnesota’s GOP Senate leader said talks broke down Tuesday morning.
The Democrats’ proposal for a special session scheduled to begin Monday, October 2 includes:
- Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines ban
- Binary trigger ban
- Eliminate the ghost gun loophole
- Strengthen Extreme Risk Protection Orders, including increased funding for public outreach and education
- Expand school safety funding
- Increase funding for mental health treatment
- Strengthen prohibitions against domestic abusers to ensure they do not have access to firearms
- Increase criminal penalties for violent offenses committed with a firearm and increase criminal penalties for impersonating a police officer
- Increase funding to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R – East Grand Forks) said the meeting ended after 10 minutes when Democrats ended talks indicating “they would no longer work with Republicans to find agreement for a special session.”
“Democrats and Governor Walz are avoiding the regular committee process that invites public scrutiny and stakeholder input,” Johnson said in a statement obtained by Flag Family News.
“Only through the full legislative process can Minnesotans truly have a voice and a seat at the table, ensuring their will and not backroom deals, shapes our public policy.”
