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HB 1352

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 62.1-02-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at a church or place of worship.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Keith Boehm and 10 co-sponsors

Expands where concealed weapons may be carried, including churches, with new liability protections for entities and clarifications for approved exemptions.

Second reading, failed to pass, yeas 39 nays 53
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Bill Summary · HB 1352

Summary — HB 1352 (North Dakota)

Title: An Act to amend and reenact section 62.1‑02‑05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at a church or place of worship

Purpose / Intent

HB 1352 amends North Dakota law governing where firearms and other dangerous weapons may be carried, with two principal aims:
- To clarify and expand the categories of locations and persons exempt from the prohibition on carrying firearms at certain public gatherings (including churches and other places of worship); and
- To create explicit statutory exemptions from civil liability for public and private entities (including churches and places of worship) for injury, death, or property damage caused by a person lawfully permitted to carry a concealed dangerous weapon under the chapter.

Key provisions

  • Prohibits possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon at:
    • A school or school‑sponsored event on school property;
    • A church or other place of worship; or
    • A publicly owned or operated building.
  • Expands and clarifies exceptions (non‑applicability of the prohibition) to include — among others:
    • Law enforcement and certain correctional officers (subject to related statutes);
    • On‑duty ambulance/firefighter crew members who (1) have written authorization from their governing body, (2) hold a valid Class 1 concealed weapons license, (3) have completed a specified weapons training course, and (4) are reported to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation;
    • Military personnel on duty; competitors at organized shooting events; gun/antique shows; hunter safety classes; private and public security personnel while on duty; state/federal parks; certain educational/training events with permission of the premises authority; individuals in public rest areas/restrooms; and storage within assigned residential units of state‑owned or managed buildings (with consent).
    • Individuals authorized under ND concealed‑carry statutes or reciprocity when present in a church/place of worship if the primary religious leader or governing body approves via policy or other means.
    • Judges and certain staff who meet peace‑officer firearms proficiency (certificate issued by local law enforcement).
  • Adds two liability‑related provisions:
    • New section: public or private entities may not be held liable for injury, death, or property damage caused by an individual permitted to carry a concealed dangerous weapon under the chapter.
    • Amended §62.1‑02‑05(4): reiterates that a church or place of worship may not be held liable for such harm.
  • Other: authorizes governing bodies of schools/public buildings to include less‑than‑lethal weapons in security plans. Violation of the possession prohibition remains an infraction.

Who/what is affected

  • Places of worship and their governing bodies (gain explicit liability protection; may adopt policies approving concealed carriers).
  • Permit holders and those eligible under enumerated exceptions (broader ability to lawfully carry in more contexts if conditions met).
  • Public and private entities generally (statutory immunity for harms caused by permitted concealed carriers).
  • Victims of firearm incidents (changes in liability remedies and potential recovery avenues).
  • Local governments retain authority to enact less‑restrictive ordinances; such ordinances supersede the statute within their jurisdiction.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: November 15, 2024 (sponsored by Representatives Koppelman, Kasper, Marschall, M. Ruby, Vetter, Louser; Senators Boehm, Castaneda, Clemens, Cory, Meyer listed as sponsors).
  • Committee action: Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted proposed amendments (committee report dated February 21, 2025).
  • Legislative status (as provided): Second reading — failed to pass (yeas 39, nays 53).
    • Note: legislative actions in the source material include multiple versions and similarly numbered bills from other states; this summary addresses the North Dakota Century Code amendment described above.

If you want, I can:
- Produce a side‑by‑side comparison of the current §62.1‑02‑05 text vs. the bill’s amended language; or
- Extract and summarize the list of specific exceptions in tabular form for quick reference.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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