Three days after Senate passage, House DFLers call out Republicans for blocking gun violence prevention bill

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed a bill prohibiting military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. As of Thursday’s House Floor session, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth had yet to acknowledge receiving the legislation from the Senate, and the bill presumably sits hidden in a drawer in the House Chamber. When House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long inquired about the bill’s status, Speaker Pro Tempore Bjorn Olson (R - Fairmont) stated “he has received it but was instructed to not report it.”

House DFLers are demanding Speaker Demuth process the bill so the House can take action on it and continue the public discussion that Minnesotans have made clear they want at the Capitol on this important issue.

“Senate Democrats took a historic step earlier this week by passing a vital gun violence prevention package. This legislation will get weapons of war off our streets just like the ones used in so many tragedies, including last year at Annunciation Church,” said Floor Leader Long. “Republicans have blocked these important measures every step of the way, and are now literally holding the bill hostage. This is unacceptable to our communities that have experienced so much trauma and heartbreak. Now that the Senate has acted, Minnesotans deserve to know where Republicans stand.”

“Monday’s vote in the Senate was a historic step forward–showing how we can take action on gun violence prevention supported by Annunciation families, experts, and everyday Minnesotans,” said Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis). “But Lisa Demuth has chosen to disregard the Minnesotans demanding we act. She is refusing to acknowledge the bill exists. The Annunciation families, and all Minnesotans, deserve to know where the MN GOP stands: with the people, or with the gun lobby?”

“Republicans have said they want a multi-layered approach to school safety. If they were ever serious about that, they would take up the comprehensive gun violence prevention bill passed in the Senate,” said Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee). “It’s time for House Republicans to stop hiding behind procedure, do the right thing, and pass this bill."