(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Paul Novotny’s team.)

I (State Representative Paul Novotny, R-Elk River), released the following statement regarding the introduction of House File 2705. 

The bill, among other things, would ban all magazines over 10 rounds in Minnesota, require gun owners to register almost all semi-automatic firearms with their local Chief of Police or Sheriff or be charged with a gross misdemeanor, and turn over to law enforcement or destroy magazines with capacities of 10 rounds or be charged with a felony.

At a time when violent crime is spiking, the elderly are robbed going to get groceries, and when law abiding members of the public are using legally carried concealed firearms to protect themselves and others from violent assaults, it is no surprise that Democrats will once again look to limit the 2nd Amendment for law-abiding Minnesotans. All while the Ramsey and Hennepin County Attorneys refuse to pursue strong punishment for those that are committing these violent crimes.

The bill is filled with bans on standard capacity handgun and rifle magazines and includes mandatory registration of most semi-automatic firearms including hunting shotguns. If passed, this bill would turn many gun owners into felons without them even knowing it.

Any gun control bill will need to come through the Public Safety Committee in the House and as a member of this committee, I will work hard to make sure this unconstitutional bill does not become law. I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and will always stand for the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones.