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SF169 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Veteran discharge papers legal equivalent of a permit to carry a firearm establishment

Related bill: HF1283

AI Generated Summary

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.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 16, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
January 16, 2025SenateActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 24, 2025SenateActionAuthor stricken
February 26, 2026SenateActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds Subd.25 to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 624.714: Military discharge papers equivalent to permit to carry.",
        "Allows a veteran to carry a pistol under any circumstances in locations where a permit to carry would be required, provided the veteran possesses the original or a certified copy of the DD214; the form constitutes the legal equivalence of a permit to carry; no permit application, fees, or training required."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill relates to public safety by recognizing military discharge papers as the legal equivalent of a permit to carry for veterans defined in section 197.447, amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 624.714 to add Subd.25.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 624.714 to add Subd.25."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.714",
    "subdivision": "Subd.25"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Uses the definition of veteran from Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 197.447 to apply the new Subd.25 in section 624.714.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "197.447",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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