SF264

SF264 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Possession of dangerous weapons in the Capitol complex

AI Generated Summary

This bill, SF No 264, proposes changes to public safety regulations by prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons, ammunition, or explosives within courthouse complexes and certain state buildings in the Capitol Area of Minnesota. It removes the previous exceptions that permitted individuals with a carry permit to have rifles and shotguns in public places.

Key points of the bill include: 1. It defines possessing dangerous weapons in specified areas as a felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine up to $10,000, or both. 2. It maintains some exceptions: - Licensed peace officers and military personnel on duty. - Individuals who have a permit to carry pistols in these locations must notify the sheriff or commissioner of public safety. - Weapons allowed for display as evidence during trials or exhibitions with prior notification and adherence to safety guidelines. - Individuals who have the express consent of the county sheriff or commissioner of public safety to possess weapons in these areas. 3. The bill clarifies that having a permit to carry constitutes notification to the commissioner of public safety as required for carrying pistols in these restricted zones, specifying conditions related to carrying in or around motor vehicles.

Overall, the bill seeks to enhance security within high-risk public areas by tightening regulations on weapon possession.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 15, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 15, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety
January 22, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New language clarifying prohibited areas for dangerous weapons including sections of the Capitol Area and requirements for peace officers and military personnel."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates permit to carry holder exception in public spaces within the Capitol Area."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 609.66 to prohibit possession of dangerous weapons in certain state buildings and courthouses, removing certain exceptions.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the role of the sheriff and commissioner of public safety in granting consent for weapon possession in specified zones."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.66"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of Capitol Area description to define scope of prohibited zones for weapon possession."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References definition of the Capitol Area from existing legislation in chapter 15B.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "15B"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References existing permit to carry issuance procedures under section 624.714.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that issuance of a permit to carry fulfills notification requirements to the commissioner of public safety."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.714"
  }
]