Gov. Walz Signs Gun Control Measures Into Law

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz on Friday significant gun control and public safety measures into law, including background checks and a "red flag" law.

Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan were joined at the signing ceremony by former Congresswoman and gun violence prevention advocate Gabby Giffords

"As a veteran, gun-owner, hunter, and dad, I know basic gun safety isn’t a threat to the Second Amendment – it’s about keeping our kids safe," Walz said in a statement.

"There’s no place for weapons of war in our schools, churches, banks, or anywhere else people are just trying to live their lives. Today is about taking meaningful action to create a safer future for our kids, and I am proud to sign this commonsense, life-saving legislation into law."

With some exceptions, Chapter 52 of Senate File 2909 will require a background check for private party transfers of pistols and semiautomatic weapons.

The law will also implement "extreme risk protection orders," also known as a"red flag law." The measure allows a family member, guardian, city or county attorney, or police chief to intervene when someone is at high risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm.

Neither measure won support from Republican lawmakers, who are in the minority in the Minnesota House and Senate.

"It is extremely disappointing that the Governor has signed these provisions into law without so much as a stand-alone floor vote in the Senate," said Bryan Strawser, Chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus.

"If these measures were truly as popular as the Governor claims, there would be no need to bury these provisions in an omnibus bill. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus will be closely monitoring the implementation of these laws, and, in conjunction with our national partners, we stand ready to take possible legal action."

Rob Doar, also of the Gun Owners Caucus, said that "Peaceable gun owners across Minnesota should be alarmed about the extent of the DFL trifecta’s anti-gun agenda."