A new bill in the Minnesota legislature would allow youth to use publicly-owned shooting ranges for firearm safety classes.

The Southeast Minnesota Public Safety Training Center will have a gun range, once its completed in 2013. But Olmsted County Sheriff David Mueller is concerned over security and an extra cost to taxpayers.

"I think there's a potential for this to be utilized but I think from the standpoint of the legislature we don't want to be in a position from a security standpoint or liability standpoint to expose some additional experiences of liability," said Sheriff Mueller.

Mueller says it could cost them an extra $500,000 to install baffling, so bullets don't go onto adjacent properties.

Republican Representative Mike Benson of Rochester says he supports the bill and sees it as an opportunity for law enforcement to work with kids on gun safety.

The Rochester Tea Party Patriots will be having a “Legislative Update” and a "Meet the Candidates" meeting. Area legislators will give an update on the current legislative session, and you will hear from 2 candidates for federal office: Dan (Doc) Severson running for the US Senate seat currently held by Amy Klobuchar and Charles Aldrich running for the 1st District House seat currently held by Tim Walz. The meeting will be held Thursday March 22nd starting at 7:00 PM in the Godfathers Pizza meeting room located at 1611 16th Street NW, in Rochester.

In less than 9 months, Minnesotans will have to decide whether or not to allow gay marriage.

To get the word out, one local group is already reaching out.

Southeast Minnesota Gay and Lesbian Community Services, recently joined forces with the Minnesotans United for all Families Coalition.

The statewide coalition includes over 170 groups ranging from non-profits and businesses to churches and politicians.

Organizers say the partnership was made to strengthen community ties.

"It’s to bring these voices to the forefront. To let people know that they're not alone if they oppose the anti-marriage amendment. That there are organizations, individuals and leaders in this community who stand with you,” GLCS Board Member Jeffrey Jurewicz says.

The issue will be on the November ballot.

Supporters from both sides have been working for months, spreading their message.