Dayton opposes gun background check repeal efforts

by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton said Thursday he will oppose efforts to repeal the law that requires state permits and background checks for people buying handguns and semiautomatic weapons.

Dayton made the comments a day after a Minnesota House committee approved a measure that would eliminate the requirement for people buying guns from federally licensed dealers. Dayton said the background checks are needed.

"I think it's been proven in the last couple of decades since these laws have been put into effect, state and federal, that it doesn't prevent law abiding citizens from passing those checks as they do and bearing arms," Dayton said. "I don't intend to do so, but I think eliminating that is unwise."

Supporters say the state requirement is a duplication of federal law and that eliminating it would save local governments money.