ST. PAUL, Minn. (Jan. 30, 2023) – Two more bills filed in the Minnesota Senate would remove permit requirements to carry within the state. The enactment of a so-called “constitutional carry” bill would also foster an environment more hostile to federal gun control.
Sen. Bill Lieske (R) and a coalition of four fellow Republicans filed Senate Bill 547 (SF547) on Jan. 23. Sen. Andrew Lang (R) and two Republican cosponsors filed Senate Bill 634 (SF634) the same day.
Both bills would allow anyone legally allowed to own a gun could carry it in public places not otherwise prohibited by law without a state-issued permit, though they would still be able to apply for one if they want to enjoy CCDW reciprocity with other states.
Currently, Minnesota gun owners must apply for a five-year permit at their county sheriff’s office.
EFFECT ON FEDERAL GUN CONTROL
While permitless carry bills do not directly affect federal gun control, the widespread passage of permitless concealed carry laws in states subtly undermines federal efforts to regulate guns. As we’ve seen with marijuana and industrial hemp, a federal regulation becomes ineffective when states ignore it and pass laws encouraging the prohibited activity anyway.
The federal government lacks the enforcement power necessary to maintain its ban, and people will willingly take on the small risk of federal sanctions if they know the state will not interfere. This increases when the state actively encourages “the market.”
Less restrictive state gun laws will likely have a similar impact on federal gun laws. It will make it that much more difficult for the feds to enforce any future federal gun control, and increase the likelihood that states with few limits will simply refuse to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts.
State actions such as passing SF634 and SF547 would lower barriers for those wanting to the option of defending themselves with firearms and encourages a “gun-friendly” environment that would make federal efforts to limit firearms that much more difficult.
WHAT’S NEXT
Both bills have been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, where they must receive a hearing and pass by a majority vote before moving forward in the legislative process.
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