A Letter From Minnesota Senator, Ron Latz

Daniel,

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the need for lasting solutions to pervasive gun violence in Minnesota. I share your outrage and heartbreak at the ongoing impact of gun violence in our state.

The Senate passed the most comprehensive package of gun violence prevention legislation in our state’s history. I was proud to partner with Senator Zaynab Mohamed in our Gun Violence Prevention Working Group this fall, and then in continuing our work throughout this legislative session, culminating in this set of bills that approaches gun violence from every angle. It strengthens restrictions on high-capacity magazines, bans ghost guns, improves secure storage requirements, expands Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), and invests in school safety and violence prevention.

We know there is no single solution to gun violence, but we have a responsibility to continue advancing evidence-based measures that save lives and keep communities safe. Since chief-authoring our gun violence prevention package in 2023, I have heard stories of these policies saving lives, and the data supports it. This package continues that work.

The bill has been sent to the House, where it now awaits a vote, and I urge my colleagues there to find common ground and join us in keeping Minnesotans safe.

Gun violence prevention has been one of my highest priorities throughout my tenure in both the House and Senate since 2002, and as Chair of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, I remain fully committed to continuing this work.

I appreciate your engagement on this matter that has deeply impacted communities across Minnesota. Please do not hesitate to reach out with further questions or concerns.

Regards,

Senator Ron Latz