Yesterday, the state Senate replaced Senate File 1357 with its companion bill, House File 1467. It is vital that you urge your state Senator to bring this important comprehensive firearms reform bill to a vote in the Senate as soon as possible. Minnesota’s 2011 legislative session is nearly over and this bill must pass before Monday, May 23 in order to have a chance of becoming law this year.
The anti-gun forces are using every means possible to keep HF 1467 from passing and becoming law, so it is imperative that you contact your state Senator TODAY and urge him or her to bring HF 1467 to the Senate floor for a vote. Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.
HF 1467 contains three 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 fifteen 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.
Also, please contact the Senate leadership and urge them to act quickly on this important reform bill. They know HF 1467 is facing a May 23 deadline and it’s important we continue to remind them how important this legislation is.
State Senator Amy Koch (R-19), Majority Leader
(651) 296-5981
[email protected]
State Senator Chris Gerlach (R-37), Majority Whip
(651) 296-4120
[email protected]
State Senator Michelle Fischbach (R-14), President of the Senate
(651) 296-2084
[email protected]
State Senator Gen Olson (R-33), President Pro Tem
(651) 296-1282
[email protected]
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