Minnesota Considers Ban on Phone Cases That Look Like Guns

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers want to ban cellphone cases that look like handguns due to concerns that it could be mistaken for a real firearm.

Legislation that would make it illegal to buy, possess, manufacture or sell the gun-replica phone cases cleared its final committee Wednesday and now awaits action on the House and Senate floors. The cellphone cases drew overwhelming bipartisan condemnation during a House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee hearing.

Under the bill, violations would result in a petty misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $300.

Earlier this week, concerns were raised over a functioning fold-up gun that looks like a cellphone that's being manufactured in Minnesota.