Capitol Switches Course to Alternate Gun Plan

ST. PAUL (AP) — Top Minnesota lawmakers are tacking toward new gun legislation that wouldn't impose universal background checks for gun purchases.

House Speaker Paul Thissen and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk say the alternate plan backed by gun rights advocates is more likely to pass this session than one from the House Democrat who led gun hearings last month.

The new bill is expected to address some mental health issues, add to the parameters of who cannot legally own a gun and help county attorneys crack down on illegal gun owners.

The Associated Press reported Friday that the National Rifle Association was building support for more modest revisions to the state's gun laws.

Rep. Debra Hilstrom, a Brooklyn Center Democrat, is set to unveil her bill at a news conference Wednesday.