St. Paul City Council to Consider New Gun Violence Prevention Ordinance at Upcoming Meeting

October 17, 2025

St. Paul, Minnesota, is poised to enact significant measures to combat gun violence, with a new ordinance scheduled for consideration at the upcoming City Council meeting on Wednesday. The proposed legislation builds on earlier actions and arrives following a statewide push for coordinated action.

Mayor Melvin Carter, alongside a coalition of elected officials, recently voiced strong support for the measures at a press conference held at the State Capitol. The City of St.Paul asserts its position as a pioneer within the coalition, being the first to introduce formalized legislation addressing the issue.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance

The ordinance centers on five core stipulations designed to enhance public safety and curb illegal firearm activity. These include:

• A comprehensive ban on the public possession of assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and binary triggers within the city boundaries.
• Measures to eliminate untraceable “ghost guns” by mandating serial numbers on all firearms.
• Restrictions on firearms in designated sensitive public areas such as parks,libraries,recreation facilities,and government buildings.
• Requirements for clear and conspicuous signage in public spaces to inform residents about the restrictions and encourage compliance.
• Clearly defined protocols for enforcement procedures and associated penalties.

Exceptions to the ordinance will be made for active-duty law enforcement, military personnel, licensed federal firearms curators, and individuals transporting firearms lawfully through the city, provided weapons are unloaded and securely stored, aligning with existing St. Paul safety regulations.

did You Know? According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 500 mass shootings in the United States in 2024 alone, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures.

State Preemption and the path Forward

The ordinance’s implementation, however, hinges on action at the state level. it will not come into effect unless Minnesota repeals or amends existing preemption laws that currently limit local jurisdictions’ ability to enact gun control measures.

Council President Rebecca Noecker emphasized the city’s unwavering commitment to public safety. “Saint Paul has taken meaningful steps to protect our community,” she stated. “This ordinance builds on that foundation and strengthens the protections our residents rely on. While we hope the state will act, we in Saint Paul are committed to doing everything within our power to prevent gun violence.”

Key Provision	Description
Assault Weapon Ban	Prohibits public possession of specified firearms.
Ghost Gun Regulation	Requires serial numbers on all firearms to ensure traceability.
Public Space restrictions	Limits firearms in sensitive locations like parks and libraries.

Pro Tip: staying informed about local legislation and contacting your elected officials are key steps in advocating for community safety.

understanding Gun Violence Trends

Gun violence remains a pervasive issue in the United States, with rates fluctuating but remaining consistently high compared to other developed nations. Factors contributing to this include easy access to firearms, mental health challenges, and socioeconomic disparities. Recent studies by the CDC have shown a correlation between increased firearm availability and higher rates of gun-related deaths and injuries.

Beyond legislative efforts, community-based violence intervention programs are gaining traction as a proactive approach to prevention. These programs frequently enough focus on conflict resolution, mentorship, and providing support services to individuals at risk of involvement in gun violence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Control

1. What is an assault weapon? Assault weapons are typically semi-automatic firearms with military-style features, designed for rapid and efficient shooting.
2. What are “ghost guns”? Ghost guns are firearms assembled from kits or parts purchased without background checks, lacking serial numbers and making them arduous to trace.
3. What are preemption laws in the context of gun control? These laws prevent local governments from enacting gun control measures stricter than state laws.
4. How effective are gun control measures? Research on the effectiveness of gun control measures is ongoing, but studies suggest that certain policies, such as worldwide background checks, can reduce gun violence.
5. what resources are available for gun violence prevention? Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords Law Center provide resources and advocate for stricter gun laws.

What are your thoughts on the proposed ordinance? How can communities work together to address gun violence effectively?

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What are the potential consequences for lawful gun owners if the proposed safe storage requirements are implemented?

Understanding the Proposed Ordinance: Key provisions

The St. Paul City Council is scheduled to discuss and perhaps vote on a new gun violence prevention ordinance at its upcoming meeting. This legislation aims to address the rising concerns surrounding gun safety and community violence within the city. While the specifics are still under review, key provisions currently being considered include:

* Expanded Background Checks: Potential requirements for background checks extending beyond federal mandates, potentially including private gun sales. This aims to close loopholes and prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals legally prohibited from owning them.

* Safe Storage Requirements: Mandating secure storage of firearms within residences to prevent unauthorized access, notably by children and individuals at risk of self-harm. This could involve requirements for locked safes or trigger locks.

* Restrictions on Assault Weapons: A potential ban or stricter regulation of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, mirroring similar efforts in othre cities and states.

* Red Flag Law Implementation: Strengthening the city’s ability to utilize Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs),commonly known as “red flag laws,” allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

* Increased Penalties for Gun-Related Crimes: Exploring options for increasing penalties for illegal possession, straw purchasing, and other gun crimes.

Public Safety Concerns Driving the Legislation

The push for this new ordinance comes amidst a backdrop of increasing gun violence statistics in St. Paul. Data from the St.Paul Police Department indicates a concerning rise in shootings and firearm-related incidents over the past several years. Community advocates and city officials cite several factors contributing to this trend:

* Accessibility of Firearms: Concerns about the ease with which individuals can obtain firearms, both legally and illegally.

* Mental health Crisis: The intersection of mental health challenges and access to firearms, leading to increased risk of suicide and violence.

* Socioeconomic Factors: Underlying socioeconomic disparities and lack of opportunities contributing to violence in certain neighborhoods.

* Rise in Ghost Guns: The increasing prevalence of ghost guns – privately made firearms without serial numbers – making them difficult to trace and regulate.

Potential Impact on Gun Owners & Second Amendment Rights

The proposed ordinance has sparked debate regarding its potential impact on law-abiding gun owners and their second Amendment rights. Concerns raised by gun rights advocates include:

* Infringement on Constitutional Rights: arguments that certain provisions, such as restrictions on specific types of firearms, may infringe upon the right to bear arms.

* Burden on Lawful Owners: Concerns that safe storage requirements and expanded background checks could place an undue burden on responsible gun owners.

* Effectiveness of the Ordinance: Skepticism about whether the ordinance will effectively deter criminals who are already intent on obtaining firearms illegally.

The City Council is expected to address these concerns during the upcoming meeting, potentially through amendments or clarifications to the proposed legislation. Discussions will likely center on balancing public safety with the rights of responsible gun owners.

Community Response and Advocacy Efforts

The proposed ordinance has generated meaningful community engagement, with both supporters and opponents actively voicing their opinions.

* Gun Violence Prevention Groups: Organizations like Protect Minnesota and Moms Demand Action are actively advocating for the passage of the ordinance,emphasizing the need for stronger gun control measures.

* Gun Rights Organizations: Groups such as the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus are mobilizing opposition, arguing that the ordinance will not deter crime and will punish law-abiding citizens.

* Community Meetings & Public Forums: Several community meetings and public forums have been held to allow residents to express their views and ask questions about the proposed ordinance.

* Social media Campaigns: Both sides of the debate are utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support.

Understanding Minnesota’s Existing Gun Laws

Minnesota already has several laws regulating firearms. These include:

1. Permit to Purchase: Minnesota requires a permit to purchase handguns, involving a background check.

2.