Dayton Opposes Move To Repeal Gun Permits

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he doesn't want to get rid of state permits that provide "reasonable" background checks for gun buyers.

Dayton took his first public position Thursday on a Republican move to repeal state gun permits. He made the comments in a speech to a newspaper convention in Bloomington.

A House panel approved legislation Wednesday that would abolish Minnesota's permits for gun buyers. Supporters say the state requirement duplicates federal laws.

The Democratic governor says the background checks required for the state permits balance gun rights with public safety. He says current law doesn't prevent law-abiding citizens from owning guns.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)