Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday issued two executive orders to reduce gun violence and improve public safety across Minnesota. These orders, the first executive actions taken by a Minnesota governor focused on gun violence prevention, creates a Statewide Safety Council and directs state agencies to take concrete steps to prevent gun-related injuries and deaths. These actions come after Republican legislative leadership refused to hold a vote on gun safety measures supported by seven in 10 Minnesotans.
“Gun violence has inflicted heartbreak and loss for families in Minnesota and across the country time and time again. Enough is enough,” said Walz. “We have repeatedly met with Republican legislators to find a path forward but were met with excuses and stonewalling, so today I am taking executive action. These executive orders lay a critical foundation for the upcoming legislative session, and now we need Republicans in the Legislature to show courage and pass comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation, including a ban on highcapacity magazines and assault-style weapons. Minnesotans are demanding action.”
Executive Orders 25-12 and 25-13 direct state agencies to pursue a range of strategies to reduce gun violence:
• Establishing the Governor’s Statewide Safety Council: The Safety Council brings together leaders from law enforcement, education, mental health, and community organizations to develop a blueprint for preventing mass violence, domestic terrorism, and politically motivated attacks. The council will make policy and funding recommendations to the governor.
• Data Collection on Firearms and Insurance: The Department of Commerce will work with insurers to collect and analyze firearm-related claims, providing a clearer understanding of the financial and societal impacts of guns and identifying opportunities to prevent harm – laying the groundwork to hold gun manufacturers accountable.
• Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs): The Department of Public Safety will expand public education, training, and best practices for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, schools, and mental health professionals to prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms. ERPO data will be tracked and reported to increase transparency and effectiveness.
• Safe Storage Education: In partnership with the Department of Education and local schools, families will have access to guidance, gun locks, and safes to prevent accidental injuries and deaths, particularly among children.
Walz’s actions build on prior legislative and administrative efforts to strengthen public safety. The executive orders also reflect concerns raised directly by Minnesotans during town halls held across the state.
