New firearms regulations in Minnesota are now in effect after passage in the state Legislature during the recently concluded 2023 session, signed by Gov. Tim Walz. Pretty much along party lines, the majority Democrats in the House, and particularly in the Senate, were able to craft two important pieces of legislation. The first is the so-called “red flag” passage, in which a judge can take away firearms possession from individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves and/or others. This includes persons diagnosed with mental illness, persons with a record of repeated violence, or those with a record…
Author: Mike Wilkinson
The 2023 state Legislature passed a record-setting number of bills directly affecting local government. While there was no legislation specifically designed for Eden Prairie, there are significant categories that will benefit the city. At the same time, there are some categories that will have no bearing on the community. City Manager Rick Getschow added that it is too early to know specifics about a couple of items. “Virtually every city in the state is going to benefit from the new Public Safety program,” he said. “In our case, we expect to realize approximately $2.8 million.” Getschow said city leaders are…
On May 30, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed into law legislation that had been debated extensively in the state Legislature for months, legalizing the possession of cannabis (marijuana) for individuals age 21 and older. The final vote in the state House and Senate largely followed party lines, with nearly all Democrats in the House, except one, voting in favor, and almost all Republicans, except five, voting against it. In the Senate, the voting strictly aligned with party lines. The new law does not take effect until Aug. 1 and allows private parties to possess up to two pounds of cannabis…