HF636

HF636 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Right to carry without a permit provided, and optional permit to carry provided.

Related bill: SF846

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill from Minnesota amends existing firearm laws to allow individuals to carry firearms without a permit in various places, including in vehicles and on public property, provided they are not legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The bill highlights the right defined under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to keep and bear arms.

Additionally, the bill introduces an optional carry permit system. This optional permit can be applied for by residents and non-residents alike and requires applicants to meet certain criteria such as being over 21, having firearms training, and not being legally disqualified from firearm possession.

The amendments include a new standardized application process for these permits and a five-year validity period after which the permits can be renewed under specified conditions. The sheriff's offices are responsible for processing these applications, and applicants must provide detailed personal information and evidence of firearms training.

The bill also stipulates that local sheriffs must keep a database of those who have been permitted to carry pistols, which can only be accessed by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, it outlines reporting requirements for the commissioner to monitor the permits issued, including statistics on permitted individuals and the nature of any revocations or suspensions.

Finally, sections of the existing statutes that required a permit to carry and penalties for carrying without a permit are repealed under this bill, reflecting the shift to permit-less carry alongside the optional permitting system.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References definition of nonresidents in section 171.01 subdivision 42 related to applications for permits to carry.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "171.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Part of criteria about prohibitions of firearm possession under certain conditions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518B.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Included in criteria for disqualification from possessing a firearm due to past assault offenses.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.224"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced as part of legal criteria for firearm possession concerning domestic assault convictions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.2242"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Stipulated as a disqualifying factor for carrying permits regarding harassment and stalking convictions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.749"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Part of section detailing qualifications necessary for firearm possession.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.713"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Currently existing statute detailing prohibitions regarding firearm possession by certain individuals.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.719"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Included as a statute under which firearm possession prohibitions are applied.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "629.715"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Used in determining restrictions against individuals in relation to firearm permits.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "629.72"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Indicates exclusion from firearm permits for individuals listed in the criminal gang database.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299C.091"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to application form standards for carrying permits.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.7151"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Regulation referenced regarding non-forfeiture of firearms under certain minor violations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.531"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines peace officer for the purpose of regulations within these statutes.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "626.84"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in context of prohibitions concerning semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "624.712"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentioned in exceptions for transporting firearms.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.045"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Federal regulations mentioned concerning disclosure of alcohol or drug abuse patient records.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "42 CFR 2.31-2.35"
  }
]