A group of Democratic senators wants lawmakers back in Saint Paul for a special session to pass an unfinished public safety bill, and include anti-gun-violence measures in it. Saint Louis Park Senator Ron Latz says Senate Republicans have repeatedly blocked even compromise measures for a “red flag” law and closing the background-check loophole on gun show purchases. “They played ‘Hide the Ball’ while people kept getting shot and killed,” Latz says.
Senate Republican leaders weren’t immediately reachable for comment. Democratic Governor Tim Walz is pushing for a special session to pass a tax cut bill plus additional funding for education, health and human services, and public safety. Republicans don’t appear interested and prospects for lawmakers to return to Saint Paul are fading as the summer campaign season gears up.