Minn. lawmakers mull crackdown on weapons in schools

A handful of Democratic lawmakers want to step up the punishment for bringing weapons to school while going a little easier on fake guns and BB guns.

The bill from Democratic Rep. Sandra Peterson of New Hope gets a committee hearing on Friday.

It would punish bringing a dangerous weapon onto school property with a sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or both. That's more than double the current prison sentence and twice the maximum current fine.

Bringing fake guns and BB guns on school property would be downgraded to a gross misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of a year in jail, a $3,000 fine or both. It's now a felony that can bring prison time.

The Senate has already approved similar legislation.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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