SF471

SF471 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Dangerous weapons in public libraries prohibition

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill, SF No 471, aims to make it illegal to possess, store, or keep dangerous weapons in public library buildings in Minnesota. It defines "dangerous weapons" using existing legal definitions and specifies public libraries as well. Under this bill, violating this rule is treated as a felony, with penalties that can include up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. However, there are exceptions: it's a lesser offense, specifically a misdemeanor, for those legally authorized to carry firearms (like permit holders), but they are still not allowed to have firearms inside library buildings. Firearms found in such violations will not be confiscated. Peace officers carrying out their duties are exempt from this restriction.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision that prohibits the possession of dangerous weapons in public libraries."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the statutes regarding the possession of dangerous weapons, specifically adding penalties for possession in public libraries under section 609.66.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that firearms carried in violation are not subject to forfeiture under section 609.531."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.66"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the definition of dangerous weapons provided under section 609.02.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the definition of public libraries provided under section 134.001.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "134.001"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions section 609.531 in reference to the non-forfeiture of firearms carried in violation of the new library possession rule.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.531"
  }
]