I remember 2 years ago when the Sheriff of Ottertail County put an add in the newspaper. It stated that anybody who wanted a permit in his county could get one through his office. I heard this on the KQRS morning show(Golden Valley, MN).
Although this carries very little weight, the reporter from WCCO news that hangs out around the Capital, said it has very good 'momentum' right now. She believed it would probably go through.
In North-western Minnesota the permits are nearly automatic after passing the criminal check. In most counties they're free, but I have to pay a yearly $10 fee, with no paperwork. Pennington is the only county that is dufficult. My friend, who had a permit for 10+ years, could not get one after moving there.
I hope we can get it passed. I've been waiting to change my address to St. Cloud, but have been scared of not being able to renew mine. Good Luck