Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Signs Straw Gun Purchases Bill Into Law

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held a ceremonial signing Monday for legislation to increase penalties for firearm straw purchases.

Straw purchasing is when an individual buys a firearm for someone who is not allowed to have it. Walz says the problem is keeping firearms out of the hands of the wrong people. And when they are this accessible is when tragedies happen.

The signing included local leaders and law enforcement who spoke about recent events such as the Minneapolis officer who was shot last Thursday and the Burnsville shooting that killed 2 officers and a firefighter.

“This idea that there’s nothing we can do is nonsense. This does not happen in other nations. There are things that we can do, and we are doing and that’s why this piece of legislation another step in the right direction. So, I’m proud to sign it,” said Governor Tim Walz.

Walz says this is an ongoing conversation and much more work needs to be done. The new legislation will include serious penalties.