In wake of rampage, Minnesota DFLers talk tighter gun laws; GOP legislator says answer is to arm teachers

Days after the Connecticut elementary school shootings, key Democrats say it's time to take a serious look at Minnesota's gun laws as they soon assume control of the Legislature.

But a Republican lawmaker counters that now is not the time to limit access to guns; rather, he said, teachers should be able to arm themselves in the classroom.

The deaths from Friday's mass killings has led to calls for an examination of gun laws across the U.S.

In Minnesota, the incoming heads of the state House and Senate public safety panels said Monday, Dec. 17, that it's only appropriate to look at tightening the state's codes, whether it is plugging loopholes that allow people to buy firearms at gun shows without background checks or tougher screenings for gun owners.

"In light of this tragedy, in light of the tragedies we've already had in Minnesota, I believe it's perfectly reasonable," said Rep. Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, who will lead the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee when Democrats take control of the Legislature on Jan. 8.

"I think the federal government and every state in this nation has the responsibility to evaluate their gun laws in the aftermath of this horrific shooting."

Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, said the issue of gun control will definitely be broached this session.

Dibble said he has received numerous messages and calls from constituents asking what can be done. This started months before the Newtown, Conn., shooting.

On Sept. 27, a former employee of Accent Signage in Minneapolis went on a shooting spree after being fired, killing six people before turning the gun on himself.

"I do sense there's a shifting attitude on this issue," Dibble said. "This latest tragedy is just so appalling and heinous, it begs a host of questions about our gun laws and our state of mental health services."

Gov. Mark Dayton said he's willing to listen to legislative proposals but has no immediate changes or plans to offer next session.

The DFLer said the focus should be on the response capability in schools and other public buildings. He said he would move to reinstate funding to a school safety advisory panel within the Department of Education.

That need to respond has some gun-rights advocates worried hysteria in the aftermath of this shooting will ultimately result in bad laws that do nothing to protect the public.

"The worst thing you can do is make guns less available," said Republican Rep. Tony Cornish, who recently resigned as police chief in Lake Crystal.

That's why Cornish plans to introduce a bill that would allow teachers who have conceal-and-carry permits to arm themselves in the classroom.

The legislation would be modeled after

laws in Michigan and Texas, which also require additional firearms training, and it would take away veto power from superintendents and principals.

"When the shooter knows it's not a gun-free zone, it would be very unlikely they would attempt something like that," Cornish said.

"And if they did, there would be far less carnage if a teacher or a principal could arm themselves."

He added he knew there are a number of teachers who would like the opportunity to arm themselves. And Cornish said some already do, despite laws against it.

Having teachers carry guns is not the answer and not something they're interested in, said Tom Dooher, president of the statewide teachers union Education Minnesota.

Carrying a loaded gun is counterintuitive to their primary goal -- being attentive and sensitive to your students' needs, he said.

"As a physical education teacher, I can't be teaching them how to shoot a basketball if I have my arms over my head, a pistol on my hip and curious kids surrounding me. That's a recipe for disaster," Dooher said.

"I think its shortsighted and missing the long-term goal of addressing mental health issues early."

Legislators agree that changing gun laws alone isn't the answer. Addressing deficiencies in mental health services, which have fallen victim to budget cuts during state budget shortfalls, is just as important, they say.

Megan Boldt can be reached at 651-228-5495. Follow her at twitter.com/MeganBoldt.

Source: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_22212354/minnesota-dflers-open-new-gun-laws?source=rss

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