| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| April 10, 2001 | Stephanie Brand (651-296-2317) |
ST. PAUL -- The Citizen's Personal Protection Act passed the House on a vote of 85 to 46. The legislation is authored by Representative Lynda Boudreau (R-Faribault). "I am pleased that my colleagues were able to see through the rhetoric and un-related issues and pass legislation that will allow Minnesotans to protect themselves," said Boudreau.
The bill provides state uniformity and constitutional fairness in granting a 'shall issue' valid handgun carry permit. Current permit laws are interpreted differently which creates discord in cities and counties throughout the state. CPPA will assure that responsible and competent adults will have the appropriate certified gun training with shooting experience, and knowledge of self defense laws, in order to obtain a carry permit.
"This legislation re-affirms the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and to obtain carry permits that allow them to do so through an objective, unbiased permitting procedure," said Boudreau.
Permit applicants must demonstrate competence in the use of a firearm, knowledge of self- defense laws, pass a background check, and place their name in a state-wide database. Once the permit conditions are met, the county sheriff shall issue the permit.
House File 1360 bill also contains the following provisions:
raises the age to obtain a permit from 18 to 21; requires certified training that includes shooting experience and knowledge of Minnesota self-defense laws; increases the penalties for permit holders who commit felonies with a pistol; creates a statewide database of permit holders; prohibits the permit holder from carrying while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; provides for a permit denial through the judicial system; prohibits permit holders from carrying while on daycare or K-12 school grounds without the permission of the principal or day care director.
"This is common sense, reasonable legislation that is overdue," said Boudreau. "It combines the inherent right to self-defense with the responsibility of competent use."
Thirty-two other states have similar legislation and according to a 1997 study conducted by University of Chicago economists John Lott and David Mustard, this legislation has resulted in a significant national decrease in violent crime with no significant increase in fatal firearms accidents.
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