House talks gun ban for domestic abusers

Published 8:14 am Wednesday, April 30, 2014

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota House is primed to vote on a bill that would ban people convicted of certain abuse crimes or subject to restraining orders from possessing guns.

The bipartisan bill awaiting action Wednesday marks a rare instance where lawmakers are prepared to tighten gun possession restrictions.

Democratic Rep. Dan Schoen says he hopes his proposal will help save lives.

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If it becomes law, people convicted of child or domestic abuse would have to give their firearms to a person or an entity legally allowed to receive them within three days.

The bill is backed by prominent gun-rights defender Tony Cornish, a Republican legislator. He says it protects gun owners’ rights and those in worrisome domestic environments.

The state Senate version of the bill awaits action on that chamber’s floor.