DFL gubernatorial candidate and 1st District Rep. Tim Walz on Wednesday voted against a bill that would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons.
In a statement, Walz said he is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. However, he said this bill lacks key protections.
"This bill would upend each state's carefully considered judgments about public safety and override determinations made about the specific needs of any given state and its communities. It is for this reason that I cannot support this legislation," he said.
Second District GOP Rep. Jason Lewis supported the measure.
"If you are a law-abiding citizen with a permit for a concealed carry — and you'd have to comply with a host state's laws — you shouldn't have to turn around every time you reach the bridge to Wisconsin," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also added to the bill was language to make sure domestic violence records are reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Members of Minnesota's delegation who joined Lewis in voting for the bill were GOP Reps. Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and DFL Rep. Collin Peterson. Voting no were DFL Reps. Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison and Rick Nolan.
