Felons who have served their time would find it much harder to regain the right to possess a firearm under the first of what is expected to be several gun bills proposed at the Legislature.
Sen. Barb Goodwin, DFL-Columbia Heights, wants those convicted of violent crimes to have to go before the state Board of Pardons before they are granted the legal right to own firearms.
Now, Goodwin said, "all they have to do is find a friendly judge, and they could have their rights to get the weapons restored."
The bill is just one in what could be a string of proposals that could upend Minnesota's liberal gun laws. With the national conversation about gun violence at the forefront and DFLers' takeover of the Legislature in place, supporters of stricter gun control believe the dynamic has changed.
"I think there's a sea change occurring," said Rep. Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, chairman of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. He said he has heard from rural lawmakers recently -- many of whom have opposed any gun restrictions in the past -- who now say they are willing to consider changes.
Paymar plans to sponsor a measure that would require background checks for all Minnesota gun sales, including those at gun shows or between private parties, similar to the proposal from President Obama this week.
Other bills likely to come before the Legislature this session include a ban on so-called assault weapons and on high-capacity magazines; increased police presence in schools, and enhanced penalties when criminals are armed -- even if they don't use the weapon in the crime.
But supporters of gun rights have already signaled that no new gun restrictions will pass without a fight.
