Saint Paul Proposes Comprehensive Firearms Ordinance Amid Legal Questions

Saint Paul, Minnesota's second-largest city, is taking steps toward implementing new firearms regulations, despite potential conflicts with existing state law. The City Council introduced a proposed "gun violence prevention ordinance" on Tuesday that seeks to address various aspects of firearm regulation within city limits.

Proposed Ordinance Details

Key Provisions

The proposed ordinance includes several components aimed at regulating firearms within Saint Paul's boundaries:

• Restrictions on possession of assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and binary triggers within city limits
• Regulations concerning privately made firearms (commonly referred to as "ghost guns")
• Expansion of designated gun-free zones throughout the city
• Additional safety measures and requirements

Regional Collaboration Efforts

Saint Paul's initiative extends beyond its borders, with city officials working to coordinate with neighboring municipalities. These include Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Mendota Heights, Minnetonka, Mounds View, Richfield, Rochester, Shoreview, Saint Louis Park, Stillwater, and West Saint Paul to advance similar ordinances across the metropolitan area.

Legal Considerations and State Preemption

Understanding State Law

Minnesota has maintained a state preemption law since 1985, which establishes uniform firearms regulations across the state. This law prevents local municipalities from adopting firearms regulations that are stricter than state-level requirements. Currently, over 40 states nationwide have similar preemption statutes designed to maintain consistency in firearms laws across jurisdictional boundaries.

Path to Implementation

Under the current legal framework, Saint Paul's proposed ordinances would only become enforceable if the Minnesota state legislature modifies or repeals the existing preemption statute. This represents a significant legal hurdle for the ordinance's implementation.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Support from Advocacy Organizations

The ordinance has garnered backing from national firearms safety organizations, including Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords, which support comprehensive approaches to reducing gun violence in urban areas.

Second Amendment Advocates Raise Concerns

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has expressed reservations about the proposed measure, stating:

"This ordinance won't stop crime. It won't make the city safer. But it will create confusion, chill lawful conduct, and put peaceable gun owners and businesses at risk. Even delayed enforcement doesn't make it legal – it's void from day one."

What's Next

The Saint Paul City Council has scheduled a public hearing for November 5, providing community members an opportunity to voice their perspectives on the proposed ordinance. This hearing will allow residents from Saint Paul's population of over 300,000 to participate in the democratic process and share their views with elected officials.

The outcome of this initiative will likely be closely watched by municipalities across Minnesota and beyond as communities nationwide continue to explore local approaches to public safety.