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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-038 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2003/04/070 o RESOLUTION NO. 03-038 RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE FILE 261 AND SENATE FILE 222 CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED PISTOLS IN PUBLIC WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park is the official governing body of the City of St Louis Park; WHEREAS, House File 261 and Senate File 222 which seeks to amend Minnesota Statute Section 624 713 dealing with permits to carry concealed pistols in public are currently under consideration before the Minnesota Legislature; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed House File 261 and Senate File 222 and discussed the implications of the proposed changes they make upon the process of issuing permits to carry concealed pistols in public. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, that the City Council supports the retention of the current law concerning the issuance of permits to carry concealed pistols in public; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council opposes the passage of House File 261 and Senate File 222, or other legislation with similar goals, based upon the following concerns: • The shift in presumption from "may" to "will" that occurs from the elimination of conditions for issuance of a permit to carry a pistol in public, the burden of proof imposed upon the issuing authonty to sustain the denial of a permit to carry a pistol in public, the potential liability for costs and disbursements associated with legal challenges to denials of permits to carry a pistol in public and the limits upon information which may be considered upon any denial of a permit to carry a pistol in public, • The change from the chief of police of the municipalities to the county sheriff as the issuing authority, • The limited information required with an application for a permit to carry a pistol in public and the reduction from twenty one (21) days to fifteen (15) days to conduct an investigation prior to the issuance or non -issuance of a permit to carry a pistol in public; • The potential issuance of so-called "emergency" permits, which would not require any pnor check of applicants' criminal history or completion of weapons safety training, upon request of applicant; • The too lenient penalty of a petty misdemeanor for carrying a firearm on school property; • The too lenient penalty of a petty misdemeanor for carrying a pistol with an alcohol concentration of less than 10 but more than .04; • The issuance of permits to carry pistols in public to non-residents; and Resolution No 03-038 -2- • The lack of provision for public and/or pnvate entities to regulate the carrying of pistols in certain locations, including but not limited to workplaces, public buildings and parks, etc.; • The City of St Louis Park is a "Children First" community. Legislation which facilitates conflict resolution via use of weapons is contrary to our community's efforts to teach children to resolve disputes via more peaceful and constructive methods. Reviewed for Administration: Ado Attest: 5't7g----7D-1( Mayor the City Council April 7th, 2003 /� •