Minn. House approves crackdown on weapons at school
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Minnesota lawmakers approved legislation that increases punishment for bringing weapons to school while going a little easier on fake guns and BB guns.
The bill, from Rep. Sandra Peterson, DFL-New Hope, passed the House 111-18 on Thursday.
It would punish bringing dangerous weapons 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.
Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said the penalties are too strict, especially for people who may keep a knife or weapon for hunting in their trunk.
Bringing replicas and BB guns on school property would be downgraded from a felony to a gross misdemeanor.
The Senate has already approved the legislation.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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