Bill restricting gun possession heads to Dayton

Legislation aimed at keeping guns away people who have been convicted of domestic abuse is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has said he will sign it into law.

The Minnesota Senate on Monday approved a bill that would allow judges to order people served with domestic abuse protection orders to surrender their guns. The vote was 60 to 4.

Last week, the House passed the measure, which also restricts the gun possession rights of stalkers.

State Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, a former sheriff, spoke in support of the legislation.

"This is certainly not going to stop domestic abuse," said Ingebrigsten, R- Alexandria. "But it certainly is going to help I think, especially during that immediate time when tempers are really pushed to the edge, and these type weapons are taken away."

Victim advocates and gun rights supporters say the bill would help keep people safe by removing guns from volatile domestic situations.

State Sen. Ron Latz, the bill's chief sponsor, said keeping guns out of the hands of abusers will reduce the chances of domestic violence becoming murder. Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, said it will also keep police officers safer.

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