SF462

Senate File No. 462 is a bill introduced in Minnesota that aims to amend an existing law concerning the possession of firearms on school property. The proposed changes would allow certain retired law enforcement officers to legally carry firearms in schools.

Under current law, possession of a dangerous weapon on school property is generally a felony, and using or displaying a replica firearm or BB gun is considered a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor. This bill would maintain those restrictions but exclude certain retired law enforcement officers, making it a misdemeanor, rather than a felony, for these individuals to carry firearms at schools under specified conditions.

The bill defines school property to include school buildings, grounds, buses, and any areas under the temporary control of a school for school-related activities.

Exemptions already exist for active peace officers, military personnel on duty, authorized individuals in vehicles, firearm safety courses held on school property, and a few other specific exceptions. The bill would effectively add qualified retired law enforcement officers to this list of exceptions, allowing them to carry firearms on school property in a controlled manner.