Title
Amending Chapter 225 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code relating to weapons.
Body
SECTION 1
WHEREAS, the epidemic of gun violence reaches communities in Minnesota, including the City of Saint Paul nearly every day; and
WHEREAS, every 19 hours, someone in Minnesota is killed by gun violence, with more than 460 Minnesotans dying yearly from gun violence; and
WHEREAS, each year approximately 351 people in Minnesota die by firearm suicide. When a person or child is at risk for suicide, it is important to create as much time and distance between them and the method as possible. If a firearm is safely stored and secured, it is less likely to be discharged or otherwise used during a moment of urgent, but temporary distress; and
WHEREAS, the availability and effectiveness of firearms greatly increases the risk of a fatal outcome, should someone attempt suicide. Storing firearms locked and unloaded, with ammunition stored separately, can be an effective measure to reduce the risk of suicide by firearm discharge; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the vast physical and emotional impact of gun violence, the economic burden is overwhelming as well. The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform calculates that the unit cost of a single gun-related homicide is just over $1.2 million. A 2016 report by the Minnesota Coalition for Common Sense estimates the cost of lost tax revenue to the state due to firearm-related violence at $72 million annually; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Saint Paul, injuries and homicides resulting directly and indirectly from firearms discharge have risen. In 2020, there were 191 gunshot wounds and 29 homicides; in 2021, there were 205 gunshot wounds and 30 homicides; and in 2022, there were 217 gunshot wounds and 32 homicides; and
WHEREAS, the following numbers of firearm incidents occurred in Saint Paul (any case involving the use or presence of a firearm where a report was written which includes assault, homicide, robbery, shots fired...
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