Updated
A wide-ranging gun measure, supported by the National Rifle Association, will make a showing at the Minnesota Capitol Thursday.
The measure, sponsored by Republican Rep. Tony Cornish with 34 co-sponsors, would narrowly define when governments can confiscate guns, expressly allow gun owners to use their weapons to protect their homes and themselves (which backers call "stand your ground," a souped up Castle Doctrine bill) and recognize gun permits from other states.
Two years ago, a Castle Doctrine bill failed on a tie vote in committee. As of Tuesday, the House bill did not appear to have a Senate companion.
The bill's appearance Thursday will mark the first major gun debate of the 2011 session. The NRA, which has a very active membership base, has asked supporters to contact lawmakers about the measure and says, "Anti-gun forces have already been inundating legislators with "gun-grabbing" rhetoric" against it.
