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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Gun Loophole Bill Under Fire

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009   

St. Paul, MN – Supporters of a firearms-buying bill in the Minnesota Legislature say there's a lot of misinformation circulating about their proposal, and they want to set the record straight. HF 953 closes what they see as a loophole that allows unlicensed dealers to sell weapons without conducting the background check required of federally-licensed dealers.

The bill's House sponsor, Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul), believes gun buyers should face the same requirements, whatever the point of sale.

"This loophole would allow a felon to purchase a gun; someone who's been convicted of domestic assault to purchase a gun; and it would allow people with mental health problems to purchase a pistol or an assault weapon. "

Paymar knows his bill - and its Senate companion, SF 1165 - face strong opposition from those who say it would restrict gun ownership. But he says he worked with gun dealers and law enforcement officials to make sure the bill doesn't infringe on anyone's Second Amendment rights.

"This bill does not affect hunters; it does not establish gun registration. It assists law enforcement in doing their jobs. All we're trying to do is keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people."

Heather Martens, executive director of the group Citizens for a Safer Minnesota, says the debate isn't about being "pro-gun" or "anti-gun" - but about ensuring that firearms are owned only by people who are legally eligible to own them.

"Most people agree that, yes, there are rights - and with those rights come responsibilities. The responsibility is to make sure that, when you're selling a firearm, the buyer has undergone a background check and is not disqualified from owning a firearm."

Under current law, unlicensed dealers, who can sell privately at gun shows, online and elsewhere, are not required to perform background checks on buyers. Martens cites strong public support for closing the loophole. A recent University of Minnesota poll found more than 80 percent favor background check requirements for all gun purchases.



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