Minneslate Logo

SF471 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Dangerous weapons in public libraries prohibition

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The bill aims to improve safety in public libraries by prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons inside library buildings and establishing criminal penalties for violations.

Main provisions

  • Adds a new subdivision (1i) to Minnesota Statutes 609.66 about possession of dangerous weapons in certain places, specifically inside a public library building.
  • Definitions:
    • dangerous weapon: defined as in Minnesota Statutes 609.02, subdivision 6.
    • public library: defined as in Minnesota Statutes 134.001, subdivision 2.
  • Penalty for possession in libraries:
    • If a person knowingly possesses, stores, or keeps a dangerous weapon inside a public library building, they commit a felony, with potential penalties of up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
  • Exceptions and special rules:
    • If a person is authorized to carry a firearm under a permit or other authority, it is a misdemeanor to carry a firearm on or about their person inside a public library building (rather than a felony).
    • Firearms carried in violation of this misdemeanor are not subject to forfeiture under the relevant forfeiture statute.
    • The new subdivision does not apply to licensed peace officers.

Significant changes to existing law

  • Creates a new felony penalty for possessing a dangerous weapon in a public library, broadening criminal penalties for such conduct.
  • Introduces a separate, less severe misdemeanor penalty for individuals who are legally authorized to carry firearms when they carry inside a public library.
  • Establishes an exception for licensed peace officers, who are not subject to the new penalties.
  • Includes a forfeiture exception, stating that firearms carried in violation of the library carry provision are not subject to forfeiture.

Definitions and scope

  • Clarifies what counts as a dangerous weapon (as defined in 609.02, subd. 6) and what counts as a public library (as defined in 134.001, subd. 2).
  • Applies specifically to “inside a public library building.”

Penalties and enforcement (summary)

  • Felony: up to 5 years imprisonment or up to $10,000 fine or both when a non-authorized person possesses a dangerous weapon in a library.
  • Misdemeanor: for those authorized to carry firearms, carrying a firearm inside a library is a misdemeanor, not a felony.
  • Not subject to forfeiture: firearms carried in violation of the library carry provision are not subject to forfeiture.
  • Peace officers: exempt from the subdivision’s penalties.

Practical impact

  • Libraries may see enhanced safety measures and clearer rules about weapons inside their buildings.
  • People who are not legally allowed to carry weapons in a library could face felony charges, while those with firearm permits would face a misdemeanor for carrying inside a library.
  • Peace officers remain exempt, maintaining their current authority in library settings.

Relevant Terms dangerous weapon, firearm, public library, possession, felony, misdemeanor, imprisonment, fine, permit to carry, licensed peace officers, forfeiture, 609.66, 609.02, 134.001, Notwithstanding

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 21, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
January 21, 2025SenateActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subd. 1i. Possession in libraries penalty; a new subdivision added to section 609.66.",
        "Definitions linked: dangerous weapon (609.02, subd. 6) and public library (134.001, subd. 2).",
        "Penalty framework: felonious possession with potential imprisonment up to five years or a fine up to $10,000 or both; misdemeanor exception for individuals authorized to carry a firearm; firearm not subject to forfeiture; exemption for licensed peace officers."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill adds Subd. 1i to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.66 creating a possession in libraries penalty. It defines 'dangerous weapon' using section 609.02, subdivision 6, and 'public library' using section 134.001, subdivision 2, and establishes penalties for possessing a dangerous weapon inside a public library, with exceptions for certain individuals and related forfeiture provisions.",
      "modified": [
        "609.66 amended to add Subd. 1i."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.66",
    "subdivision": "1i"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill uses the existing definition of 'dangerous weapon' from Minnesota Statutes 609.02, subdivision 6 to define terms used in the new penalties for possession in libraries; no change to 609.02 is proposed by the bill itself.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.02",
    "subdivision": "6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill uses the existing definition of 'public library' from Minnesota Statutes 134.001, subdivision 2 to define terms used in the new penalties for possession in libraries; no change to 134.001 is proposed by the bill itself.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "134.001",
    "subdivision": "2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 609.531 to state that a firearm carried in violation of the new provision is not subject to forfeiture; this is a reference to existing law rather than a change to 609.531.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.531",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

Loading…