MN Gun Control bill narrowly passes senate, may have trouble passing the house

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — A bill that would further restrict the types of guns Minnesotans narrowly passed the state Senate.

The senate passed the bill by one vote with 34 senators voting for the bill and 33 voting against.

The gun bill was added to a larger omnibus bill, but the majority of debate focused on the gun restrictions.

The bill bans the purchase of guns that have features like high-capacity, removable ammo magazines, and extra grips for the non-trigger hand, among others.

Those in favor of the bill argued the state needs the regulation due to the recent school shootings and political violence the state has experienced in recent years.

Those opposing the bill say it will do little to stop people with bad intentions from hurting others.

“There are aspects within this bill that absolutely hit on those critical needs that we have in this state,” said Senate Minority Leader (R) Mark Johnson. “My heart just breaks to see this get put in a poison pill that we know is unconstitutional. That it’ll give it a harder time in even heading over to the house.”

The bill will next go to the state house of representatives, where it may have trouble passing before the session ends on May 18.