Gun law loopholes

Waking up to the sound of gunshots at 5 a.m. the other morning--three shots fired into a passing car by a guy outside my window with a rifle--I began wondering how Minnesota's "conceal and carry" gun law is affecting crime. Anecdotally, things seem to be getting worse, with more drivebys reported and more accidental shootings. But perhaps it's just the lunacy of summer. The new gun law, it turns out, is misnamed: guns need not be concealed, and contrary to popular belief, it applies not only to handguns but to rifles and shotguns as well.

Minneapolis lawyer David Lillehaug writes an eye-opening article in today's Star Tribune about the unexamined parts of the law:

• In contrast with other firearms laws, the trespasser with a gun does not forfeit his firearm. Nor is the gun forfeited if carried illegally on school property or while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

• You need not be a resident of Minnesota to get a Minnesota permit. No fingerprint is required. Unlike for autos, you need not provide proof of insurance and a picture...

• Training is required to get a permit, but no minimum hours are specified and the training need not be on the guns actually carried.

• Only six groups are certified to train. Only one is for-profit. The for-profit group happens to be owned by the law professor who helped write the law.

• If you're a landlord and don't want guns in your leased space, forget about it. You can regulate your tenant's stereo, grass length and smoking, but no landlord may prohibit lawful carry by a tenant or the tenant's guests.