Minnesota Panel Suggests More Capitol Gun Notification

ST. PAUL (AP) - A state security panel is recommending regular permit checks of gun owners who want to carry them at the state Capitol, but fell short of votes for tougher proposed restrictions to ban guns altogether in certain government buildings or areas.

Currently, permit holders only have to notify the state once that they might carry a firearm into the Capitol or nearby buildings. The security panel, charged with recommending policy changes to the Legislature, considered a yearly check at a meeting Tuesday but ultimately opted for once every five years.

Democrats on the panel fell short of votes for tougher restrictions. One would have banned guns in the Capitol and the adjacent State Office Building and Judicial Center. Another would have banned them in House and Senate chambers and hearing rooms.