Overview

• Gov. Tim Walz met legislative leaders Thursday and said he remains committed to calling a special session, but he set no date and has not released bill language, with another meeting planned Friday.
• DFL leaders are pressing for bans on new sales of assault‑style weapons and high‑capacity magazines, a step urged by families from Annunciation Catholic Church and School.
• Republicans have advanced proposals centered on school security grants, school resource officers, mental‑health funding and tougher penalties for repeat offenders, and they have not put forward gun‑restriction bills.
• The House is split 50‑50 and the Senate lacks the 34 votes needed to pass legislation because of vacancies, requiring bipartisan support in committees and on the floor for any gun ban.
• Party unity remains uncertain, as several Senate Democrats have not pledged support for new restrictions while House DFL leaders say their caucus is ready to vote for a ban, and GOP leaders contend there are not enough votes and fault the governor for lacking specifics.