Gov. Walz holds ceremonial straw purchasing law bill signing

Gov. Tim Walz held a ceremonial signing Monday, June 3 for a bill that increases the penalties for straw purchases of firearms; the purchasing of a weapon for someone who isn’t legally allowed to own one.

The bill changes the act from a misdemeanor to a felony.

“Law enforcement, of course, [is] seeing an increase in violence against them, but the public also,” explained Walz in regards to the importance of this form of gun control.

The senate had previously passed the bill in May, 2024.