Sides To Sound Off on Minnesota Capitol Gun Policy

ST. PAUL (AP) - People with strong views regarding guns are expected in full force at a hearing about Minnesota's longstanding policy permitting firearms in the Capitol.

A task force reviewing Capitol security procedures planned to take public testimony on Tuesday. Gun rights and gun control groups have been encouraging their networks to turn out for the hearing.

Task force administrators say they have heard from a large volume of people looking to weigh in but they planned to limit the total testimony to 30 minutes.

Minnesota allows anyone with a valid handgun permit to have their firearm with them in the Capitol so long as they've previously given notice about a plan to carry. More than 830 people have provided such notice.

Changes to the gun policy likely would require legislative action.