Your NRA-ILA is working closely with legislators to keep pro-gun measures moving forward for Minnesotans.  Last night in the House Ways and Means Committee, language from House File 1434, suppressor legalization and “shall sign” legislation, was offered as an amendment to House File 849, sponsored by state Representative Tom Hackbarth (R-31B).  This amendment was adopted with overwhelming support by a voice vote.

As reported here, HF 849 is the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee's omnibus policy and finance bill authored by Representative Tony Cornish (R-23B).  Last week, language to include other items from NRA’s 2015 legislative agenda was incorporated into this measure.  After incorporation of last night's amendment, HF 849 contains the following provisions:

•Prohibit any government agency from confiscating or regulating the lawful possession, carrying, transfer, transportation and defensive use of firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency, like the actions that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

•Align Minnesota with more than 40 states that have conformed their statutes to federal law so that their residents can purchase rifles and shotguns in non-contiguous states, provided that the purchase or transfer complies with state and federal law.

•Modify the Capitol Carry Notification provision.  Current statute allows permit holders to carry on the capitol complex as long as permit holders “notify the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety, as appropriate.”  This legislation would update and clarify the statute to provide that application for a permit constitutes “notification,” as required.

•Provide a language change to help resolve carry permit reciprocity issues.

•Legalize ownership and possession of firearm sound suppressors.  Currently illegal to own under Minnesota law, suppressors are legal to own under federal law and in 39 states.

•Create a “shall sign” provision, requiring that certification by a chief law enforcement officer (CLEO), when a sign-off is required for the transfer of a firearm or other item regulated by the National Firearms Act (“NFA”), be provided within 15 days as long as the applicant is not prohibited by law from receiving it. Under current law, a CLEO may refuse to sign off for any reason, including their own personal feelings toward NFA-related items, which has created issues for law-abiding citizens.

HF 849 will be sent to the House floor where it could receive a vote within the next week.  Please thank Representative Hackbarth for offering the amendment, bill sponsor Representative Cornish, and members of the House Ways and Means Committee for their dedication to the Second Amendment!

Additionally, all pro-gun bills passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives last week have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Your NRA- ILA will continue to keep you updated as we work with legislators in the Senate to advance pro-gun legislation in 2015.

Live links and more at: NRA-ILA