HF4745

Purpose

To limit firearms in buildings owned or controlled by state or local governments that are used for government administration, by creating a new felony offense for possessing a firearm in those spaces. The goal is to improve safety in government buildings.

Main Provisions

• Creates a new subdivision (1i) under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.66.
• Felony offense: A person who possesses a firearm within a building owned by the state or a local government, or within a portion of a building leased or controlled by the state or local government and used for government administration, is guilty of a felony.
• Penalties: Imprisonment up to 5 years, or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
• Exceptions:
  • Does not apply to licensed peace officers or military personnel performing official duties.
  • Does not apply to a person who has written permission to possess a firearm within the building or space from the person who has general control and supervision over the building or space.
• Scope limitation: The subdivision does not apply to locations described in subdivisions 1d or 1g (other parts of the law addressing firearm rules in different locations).

What this changes in law

• Adds a new, clearly defined felony category for possessing a firearm in certain government buildings or spaces used for government administration.
• Establishes specific penalties (up to 5 years or up to $10,000, or both) for this conduct.
• Clarifies who is exempt (peace officers, military personnel on official duty, and those with written permission from building control).
• Communicates that some government locations are excluded because they are governed by other provisions (subdivisions 1d and 1g).

Practical implications

• Government buildings and space used for administration become more strictly regulated for firearm possession by non-exempt individuals.
• Civilians who do not have written permission or official duties may face felony charges if they possess a firearm in these spaces.
• Security and safety measures in government buildings are likely to be reinforced, with clearer penalties for violations.

Significant changes to existing law

• Introduces a new felony offense specifically targeting firearm possession in state/local government buildings used for government administration.
• Establishes mandatory or discretionary penalties (up to 5 years or $10,000) for this conduct, expanding potential consequences beyond existing firearm-related statutes in these locations.
• Clarifies exemptions and maintains other location-based rules (1d and 1g) that apply separately.

Terminology and phrases to note

• firearm
• building owned by the state or local government
• building or space leased or controlled by government
• government administration
• felony
• imprisonment
• fine
• licensed peace officers
• military personnel
• written permission
• general control and supervision
• subdivisions 1d and 1g

Relevant Terms

firearm; building; state government; local government; government administration; felony; imprisonment; fine; peace officer; military personnel; written permission; control and supervision; subdivision 1i; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.66; 1d; 1g