Gov. Walz takes executive action addressing gun violence
Gov. Tim Walz signed two executive orders on Tuesday to address gun violence and implement public safety initiatives in Minnesota.
One of the executive orders will establish a statewide safety council comprised of law enforcement, representatives within education and mental health departments, and community organizations. The council will work to develop a blueprint for preventing mass violence, domestic terrorism, and politically motivated attacks.
Executive Order 25-13 states that the statewide safety council will also focus on addressing the intersection of mental health and gun violence, supporting and promoting threat assessment and threat management teams, and making policy and funding recommendations to the governor.
The second executive order includes several initiatives, including data collection on firearms and insurance, extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), and safe storage education.
Executive Order 25-12 states that the Department of Commerce will work with homeowner insurance companies to collect data and analyze firearm-related claims. The intent is to analyze the financial impact of firearms-related claims.
According to a release from the governor’s office, the Department of Public Safety will work to expand public education, training, and best practices related to ERPOs for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, schools, and mental health professionals to help prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms.
In partnership with the Department of Education and local schools, education will also focus on firearm safe storage practices.
Gov. Walz has in recent months advocated for gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Gov. Walz requested legislators convene a special session to discuss and address gun control following the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in August. Legislators did not hold a special session. The next legislative session will begin in February.
“I urge our legislators to pass comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation as soon as the legislative session begins,” Gov. Walz wrote in Executive Order 25-12. “This includes a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.”
WTIP spoke with Sen. Grant Hauschild in October about gun control. Find the interview here.
WTIP also spoke with Rep. Roger Skraba in October about gun control. Find the interview here.
Kalli Hawkins December 16, 2025
