Handgun bill becomes law

The Minnesota Personal Protection Act, as its backers call it, would make it much easier for thousands of Minnesotas to carry handguns in public. The bill establishes a "shall issue" policy for permits to carry a pistol in public. Under previous law, a person had to demonstrate an occupational or personal safety hazard to get a permit. Under the new law, a sheriff must issue a permit unless the applicant is disqualified for a specific reason. The Senate approved the bill 37-30 on Monday. It was signed without comment by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and goes into effect in 30 days.