Governor Mark Dayton proposes the state spend 16 million dollars to improve security in Minnesota schools, plus an additional 5 million for mental health services for students who need extra support. Dayton says, “One failure is catastrophic…. We have a big task to try to identify people before they commit these terrible acts and give them the help they need.”
Separate from his school security plan, Dayton proposes criminal background checks for all firearms sales, prohibiting sale of assault weapons to anyone under age 21, and allowing judges to temporarily suspend access to firearms if a person is a threat to themselves or others. Dayton’s proposed gun restrictions will face tough opposition from Republicans at the legislature.