HF4745
Firearms prohibited in buildings owned by or under the control of state or local governments, and criminal penalties provided.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF4847
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
To limit firearms in buildings owned or controlled by state or local governments that are used for government administration, by creating a new felony offense for possessing a firearm in those spaces. The goal is to improve safety in government buildings.
Main Provisions
- Creates a new subdivision (1i) under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.66.
- Felony offense: A person who possesses a firearm within a building owned by the state or a local government, or within a portion of a building leased or controlled by the state or local government and used for government administration, is guilty of a felony.
- Penalties: Imprisonment up to 5 years, or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
- Exceptions:
- Does not apply to licensed peace officers or military personnel performing official duties.
- Does not apply to a person who has written permission to possess a firearm within the building or space from the person who has general control and supervision over the building or space.
- Scope limitation: The subdivision does not apply to locations described in subdivisions 1d or 1g (other parts of the law addressing firearm rules in different locations).
What this changes in law
- Adds a new, clearly defined felony category for possessing a firearm in certain government buildings or spaces used for government administration.
- Establishes specific penalties (up to 5 years or up to $10,000, or both) for this conduct.
- Clarifies who is exempt (peace officers, military personnel on official duty, and those with written permission from building control).
- Communicates that some government locations are excluded because they are governed by other provisions (subdivisions 1d and 1g).
Practical implications
- Government buildings and space used for administration become more strictly regulated for firearm possession by non-exempt individuals.
- Civilians who do not have written permission or official duties may face felony charges if they possess a firearm in these spaces.
- Security and safety measures in government buildings are likely to be reinforced, with clearer penalties for violations.
Significant changes to existing law
- Introduces a new felony offense specifically targeting firearm possession in state/local government buildings used for government administration.
- Establishes mandatory or discretionary penalties (up to 5 years or $10,000) for this conduct, expanding potential consequences beyond existing firearm-related statutes in these locations.
- Clarifies exemptions and maintains other location-based rules (1d and 1g) that apply separately.
Terminology and phrases to note
- firearm
- building owned by the state or local government
- building or space leased or controlled by government
- government administration
- felony
- imprisonment
- fine
- licensed peace officers
- military personnel
- written permission
- general control and supervision
- subdivisions 1d and 1g
Relevant Terms
firearm; building; state government; local government; government administration; felony; imprisonment; fine; peace officer; military personnel; written permission; control and supervision; subdivision 1i; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.66; 1d; 1g
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds new subdivision 1i establishing felony possession in state/local government buildings."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds subdivision 1i to Minnesota Statutes section 609.66: felony possession of a firearm in buildings owned by or under the control of the state or a local government, or in spaces leased or controlled by the state or local government and used for government administration, with penalties up to not more than five years imprisonment or not more than 10000 in fines, or both. Includes exceptions for licensed peace officers or military personnel performing official duties, and for individuals with written permission, and clarifications excluding locations described in subdivisions 1d or 1g.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.66",
"subdivision": "1i"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee