ST. PAUL - Minnesota apparently won't pass any laws to ban assault rifles or high-capacity ammunition magazines this year.  The bill aimed at reducing gun violence was introduced in the State House yesterday (Thursday).

It would require background checks on all gun purchases, increase penalties for people who buy weapons for those who legally cannot, and help attorneys crack down on illegal gun owners.

State Representative Jeff Howe of Rockville says he doesn't support the bill, because it would require every transaction to go through a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Dennis Flaherty of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association says the bill is the most important public safety bill of the session.

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