Minnesota: Major Pro-Gun Bill Passed in Committee and Referred to the House Judiciary Committee for Consideration!

Earlier today, House File 1467 passed in the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee by a 10 to 7 vote.  HB 1467 has now been sent to the House Judiciary Committee, where they are expected to take action next week.  While the date or time has not been set, please begin contacting committee members today and urge them to support this comprehensive reform. 

HF 1467, introduced by state Representative Tony Cornish (R-24B), contains four important firearm policy improvements:

Stand Your Ground:
HF 1467 would remove a person’s “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground and protect themselves or their family anywhere they are lawfully present.  It would create a presumption that an individual who forcefully or stealthily enters or attempts to enter your home or vehicle is there to cause substantial or great bodily injury or death, so the occupant may use force, including deadly force, against that individual.  It would also expressly allow an individual to use force, including deadly force, to prevent a forcible felony, and it provides protections against criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits when justifiable force is used.

Universal Recognition:
Currently, Minnesotans’ carry permits are only valid in 15 states.  Unfortunately, Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety has not sought out any additional reciprocity agreements.  By adding the proposed language, Minnesota will recognize every state that offers a carry permit and drastically improve Minnesotans’ abilities to carry in other states.  The proposed language would also require Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety to enter in to reciprocity agreements.

Emergency Powers Reform:
The proposed language would prohibit any government agency from confiscating or regulating the lawful possession, carrying, transfer, transportation and defensive use of firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Permit-to-Purchase Reform:
HF 1467 would increase the statewide validity of the permit from 1-year to 5-years.  Additionally, it would provide an improved process for Minnesotan’s to appeal denials.

Anti-gun forces have already been inundating legislators with “gun-grabbing” rhetoric against this important bill.  Accordingly, it is critical that you continue to make your voices heard now.  Please begin contacting members of the House Judiciary Committee below and urge them to support House File 1467.

House Judiciary Committee:

Steve Smith (R-33A) Chairman
651-296-9188
E-mail: [email protected]

Ron Shimanski (R-18A) Vice Chairman
651-296-1534
E-mail: [email protected]

Sheldon Johnson (DFL-67B) DFL Leadership
651-296-4201
E-mail: [email protected]

Diane Anderson (R-38A)
651-296-3533
E-mail: [email protected]

Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-58B)
651-296-8659
E-mail: [email protected]

Tony Cornish (R-24B)
651-296-4240
E-mail: [email protected]

Glenn Gruenhagen (R-25A)
651-296-4229
E-mail: [email protected]

Debra Hilstrom (DFL-46B)
651-296-3709
E-mail: [email protected]

John Kriesel (R-57A)
651-296-4342
E-mail: [email protected]

Carolyn Laine (DFL-50A)
651-296-4331
E-mail: [email protected]

John Lesch (DFL-66A)
651-296-4224
E-mail: [email protected]

Tina Liebling (DFL-30A)
651-296-0573
E-mail: [email protected]

Pat Mazorol (R-41B)
651-296-7803
E-mail: [email protected]

Carly Melin (DFL-5B)
651-296-0172
E-mail: [email protected]

Joe Schomacker (R-22A)
651-296-5505
E-mail: [email protected]

Bruce Vogel (R-13B)
651-296-6206
E-mail: [email protected]

Doug Wardlow (R-38B)
651-296-4128
E-mail: [email protected]