Comment: Background checks for private sales. Yet another example of law enforcement supporting gun rights?:barf: Hopefully, respectable MN LEO's will rise up to strongly oppose this proposed legislation!
Link containing fear mongering video, parading very dangerous weapon: http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S355484.shtml?cat=10335
Duluth Police Chief Supports Proposed Gun Law
The Duluth Police Chief appeared at a Twin Cities news conference Thursday to show his support for a proposed gun law. The law would require background checks for all private gun sales.
Currently, private gun sales are not regulated in the same way they are at sporting good stores or other federally-licensed dealers. But law enforcement and local politicians are hoping to fix the loophole to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
At the press conference, Chief Gordon Ramsay held a rifle, explaining why he wants the new bill passed.
"This is a very dangerous weapon," said Ramsay. "No ID, no background check or anything went along with the purchase of this gun."
Sponsors of the bill say around 40% of gun sales happen without a background check. The new bill introduced on Thursday would change that.
It states that anyone buying an assault weapon or pistol would need a permit, and that all gun show transactions would need to be processed through a licensed dealer. All private sales would require a background check.
Lawmakers acknowledge the bill won't prevent all unauthorized transactions. For example, it would be hard to enforce the law when it comes to sales over the Internet or between two acquaintances. But even though the new plan isn't perfect, officials say it's a step in the right direction.
Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon of Duluth says the proposed bill isn't meant to be an infringement on people's rights, either. She says it is just another measure to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
"The purpose of this is to identify who has possesion of guns and make sure they are using them responsibly," she said.
One licensed dealer in the Northland, however, says it won't be as effective as some expect.
"This wont deter criminals who are already getting them illegally," said Gardner Behrends, who lives in the Northland. "This law is not going to have the effect some are hoping it would."
Senator Prettner Solon says the next step is for committees to hold hearings on the proposed bill.
There is an important exception to this proposed bill. It would not apply to family members who want to give a gun to another relative, as long as the relative is legally eligible to own a gun.
Link containing fear mongering video, parading very dangerous weapon: http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S355484.shtml?cat=10335
Duluth Police Chief Supports Proposed Gun Law
The Duluth Police Chief appeared at a Twin Cities news conference Thursday to show his support for a proposed gun law. The law would require background checks for all private gun sales.
Currently, private gun sales are not regulated in the same way they are at sporting good stores or other federally-licensed dealers. But law enforcement and local politicians are hoping to fix the loophole to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
At the press conference, Chief Gordon Ramsay held a rifle, explaining why he wants the new bill passed.
"This is a very dangerous weapon," said Ramsay. "No ID, no background check or anything went along with the purchase of this gun."
Sponsors of the bill say around 40% of gun sales happen without a background check. The new bill introduced on Thursday would change that.
It states that anyone buying an assault weapon or pistol would need a permit, and that all gun show transactions would need to be processed through a licensed dealer. All private sales would require a background check.
Lawmakers acknowledge the bill won't prevent all unauthorized transactions. For example, it would be hard to enforce the law when it comes to sales over the Internet or between two acquaintances. But even though the new plan isn't perfect, officials say it's a step in the right direction.
Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon of Duluth says the proposed bill isn't meant to be an infringement on people's rights, either. She says it is just another measure to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
"The purpose of this is to identify who has possesion of guns and make sure they are using them responsibly," she said.
One licensed dealer in the Northland, however, says it won't be as effective as some expect.
"This wont deter criminals who are already getting them illegally," said Gardner Behrends, who lives in the Northland. "This law is not going to have the effect some are hoping it would."
Senator Prettner Solon says the next step is for committees to hold hearings on the proposed bill.
There is an important exception to this proposed bill. It would not apply to family members who want to give a gun to another relative, as long as the relative is legally eligible to own a gun.