Minn. lawmakers mull crackdown on weapons in schools
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
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.)
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.