ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers have taken the first step toward banning cellphone cases designed to look like handguns.

The Senate unanimously passed a ban on selling, possessing or manufacturing the lookalike cases on Wednesday. 60-0. The measure is awaiting a final vote in the House.

Police officials and lawmakers backed the measure as necessary, arguing the cases being sold online could easily be mistaken for a real firearm and lead to a tragedy. Violating the ban would be a petty misdemeanor and may net a fine of up to $300.

Sen. Ron Latz authored the bill in the Senate. He says the cases he's seen are a "dead ringer" for a pistol and need to be banned before someone gets killed out of confusion.

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