Bill to expand gun laws passes House committee

Published 5:34 pm Thursday, April 28, 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A bill that would expand the state’s law on the use of deadly force in cases of self-defense has passed a House public safety committee on a 10-7 vote.

It will now go on to the House judiciary committee.

Among other things, it creates a presumption that anyone who forcefully or stealthily enters a home intends to cause harm, so deadly force is allowed.

Proponents say it allows law-abiding citizens to stand their ground and protect themselves. Those against the bill say it would allow deadly force even if someone enters a home by mistake and is unarmed.

Thursday’s hearing drew testimony on both sides — with members of law enforcement split on the issue. Ken Reed, St. Paul Police Department assistant chief, called it a “recipe for disaster.”