2003-05-14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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subdivision, or any of their instrumentalities, to regulate firearms, ammunition, or their · respective components to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by them except that: (a) a governmental subdivision may regulate the discharge of firearms; and (b) a governmental subdivision may adopt regulations identical to state law. Local regulation inconsistent with this section is void." These two statutes severely limit a city's ability to regulate the carrying of handguns. The only possible exceptions appear to be the ability to adopt local J;egulations limiting the brandishing and discharge of weapons within the city and the .possible ability to regulate establishments where handguns may be present. For instance, because the law makes it a crime to possess a pistol while under the influence of alcohol, the city may be able to adopt an amendment to its liquor regulations, requiring all liquor license holders to ban handguns. How are permit-application data classified under the MN Government Data Practices Act? AIl permit-application data collected by state agencies, political subdivisions, or statewide systems are classified as private. (M.S. 13.87, subd. 2.) As a result, only the applicant and individuals within the state or local governmental entity whose work assignments reasonably require access will be able to access this data. (M.S. 13.02, subd. 12; M. Rule 1205.0400, subp. 2.) Will law enforcement agencies be able to verify whether permits are valid? Yes. The commissioner of public safety is required to maintain an automated database of persons authorized to carry pistols under this new law that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (M.S. 624.714, subd. 15.) This database will only be available to law enforcement agencies, including prosecutors verifying the validity of permits. Will any permit data be available to the public? Yes. On an annual basis, beginning March 1, 2004, the commissioner of public .safety must report to the legislature specific data regarding permits issued under the new law:. (M.S. 624.714, subd. 20.) Sheriffs and police chiefs are specifically permitted to release private data to the department of public safety for this purpose. The report will be available to the public at its actual cost of duplication. The report will not contain any personally identifiable data. For example, although the report will contain the number of permits applied for, issued, suspended, revoked, and denied, it will only be categorized