Governor Tim Walz this week challenged Senate Republicans on the issue of criminal background checks for gun sales. “Go ahead and have the vote and make it clear where you stand,” says Walz, “And go ahead and allow Minnesotans to see where you stand, because if you’re right on this, they’re certainly going to back you on it.” Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka responds, “We are one of the most restrictive states for gun laws right now, and so let’s have a conversation about that.”
Galzeka says Republicans will focus on solutions that they know actually work. He says schools only got a third of the money they wanted last year to improve safety, and adds the state should also beef up mental health resources.
Proposed changes to Minnesota’s gun laws will likely be one of the most high-profile issues of the 2019 session.