SF169

Purpose

To allow certain veterans to carry a pistol without obtaining a separate permit by treating their military discharge documents as an equivalent permit to carry.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 25) to Minnesota Statutes 624.714.
• Defines “veteran” for this provision by referring to the state’s veteran definition in section 197.447.
• A veteran may carry a pistol under this subdivision under any circumstances and in any location where a permit to carry is normally required.
• The veteran must carry the original or a certified copy of their DD214 (the military discharge papers) while carrying the pistol.
• The DD214 discharge papers are legally treated as a permit to carry.
• The veteran is not required to apply for a permit to carry, pay fees, or demonstrate training in firearm safety for this authority.
• All other provisions of this section and other laws relating to permits to carry pistols still apply to a veteran carrying under this subdivision.

How this changes existing law (Significant changes)

• Creates an explicit exception that allows veterans to carry a pistol without a separate permit, using their DD214 as proof.
• Eliminates the need for veterans to apply for a permit, pay fees, or show completed training to carry under this rule.
• Keeps other carry rules in force: other provisions in this section and related laws still apply to a veteran carrying under this subdivision, meaning typical restrictions and prohibitions tied to permits to carry may still apply.

Documentation and eligibility

• Requires possession of the original or certified copy of the veteran’s DD214 while carrying.
• Applies to individuals defined as veterans under the state definition in 197.447.

Scope and limitations

• Applies to locations and circumstances where a permit to carry would otherwise be required.
• Not a blanket removal of all carry restrictions; other permit-related rules and general firearm laws continue to apply to veterans carrying under this subdivision.

Enforcement considerations

• Carrying under this subdivision is subject to the same overall legal framework as permits to carry, aside from the specific exemptions (no permit application, fees, or required training) described above.

Relevant Terms DD214, discharge papers, veteran, permit to carry, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, Subd. 25, carry a pistol, government form, training in the safe use of a pistol, fees, apply for a permit, 197.447, permits to carry pistols, weapons, firearm carry rights, equivalency of a permit.