CCP 07-21-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e LMC Phone: (651) 281-1200 (800) 925-1122 Fax: (651) 281-1299 roD (651) 281-1290 Web Site: http://wwwJmnc.org/ LelJ9UI? nf Minnesota Cil;etr CiHIr$ promoting O1xceJI"nce Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act of 2003 "Conceal-and-Carry Law" -- What It Means For Cities Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently signed into law a bill that reduces local authority over issuance of concealed handgun permits and is expected to significantly increase the number of permit- holders. The Minnesota Personal Protection Act, (Senate File 842, will be 2003 Minn. Sess. Law, Chap. 28), passed in the House on an 88-46 vote and in the Senate on a 37-30 vote, and was signed into law by Gov. Pawlenty on April 28. It removes all authority from police chiefs to issue conceal and carry permits, and mandates that sheriffs issue permits to all applicants except those convicted of serious crimes. The law also prohibits cities from prohibiting guns on city property, except in limited circumstances. More than 300 organizations, including city councils, statewide police associations, churches and health and education groups, opposed the legislation, arguing that the new law would put an estimated 90,000 additional concealed weapons onto the streets. Currently, fewer than 12,000 individuals have permits to carry concealed weapons. Proponents of the bill argued that sheriffs and police chiefs had too much discretionary authority, and that applicants should decide for themselves if they need to carry a concealed weapon. Three groups supported the legislation: the National Rifle Association, Concealed Carry Reform Now, and the Republican Party of Minnesota. An amendment offered in the House on behalf of the League of Minnesota Cities would have allowed public facilities, such as city halls, parks, and recreation centers, to prohibit concealed weapons on the premises. The amendment failed on a vote of 48-84. No similar amendment was attempted in the Senate. Conceal-and-carry law: What it means for cities League staff has prepared this memorandum to help cities understand some ofthe most significant implications ofthe new law. In addition, links to related information are provided at the end of the memo. The League will continue to supplement this memorandum as additional information is gathered about how the law is being interpreted by affected groups. Please let us know if there are additional questions you would like us to address. 145 University Avenue West. St. Paul, MN 55103-2044. (651) 281-1200. (800) 925-1122. www.lmnc.org