Bill
HB 1589
ND HB 1589 requires agencies to forward retired officers’ firearms proficiency records to POST and lets retirees prove ongoing proficiency with updated ID.
Bill: House Bill No. 1589
Statute affected: Creates a new section in chapter 62.1‑01 and amends subsection 7 of NDCC §62.1‑01‑01
Introduced: December 11, 2024
Filed with Secretary of State: March 27, 2025
Legislative outcome (selected): Passed House 91–0 and Senate 46–0; listed as Act 676 (notification dated 04/16/2025)
Purpose
- To clarify standards and recordkeeping for firearms proficiency certification for retired law enforcement officers, and to require law enforcement agencies and certified concealed‑weapon test administrators to forward records of firearms proficiency course completions to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.
Key provisions and changes
1. Redefines and expands the statutory definition of “law enforcement officer” (NDCC §62.1‑01‑01(7)) to expressly include retired public servants in good standing who meet specified criteria:
- Retired after at least ten years of service (or separated for a service‑related physical disability).
- Maintain firearms proficiency by one of several routes:
- The same level required by the POST board for active officers; or
- The firearms qualification standards used by the individual’s former agency in the state of residence; or
- Standards administered by a certified firearms instructor for active duty officers in the state of residence; or
- Standards determined by the Attorney General and used by a certified concealed‑weapon test administrator for retired officers (in‑ or out‑of‑state).
- Possess a photo ID issued by a local law enforcement agency that: (a) identifies prior employment as a law‑enforcement officer; and (b) indicates the holder passed a firearms proficiency test within 12 months of issue.
- Have no disqualifying mental‑health finding by a qualified medical professional and have not entered an agreement acknowledging mental‑health‑related unfitness.
Who is affected
- Retired law enforcement officers seeking to maintain or document firearms proficiency and associated identification.
- Local law enforcement agencies and certified concealed‑weapon test administrators (additional certification/recordkeeping duties).
- The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board (new incoming record stream to manage/retain).
- Indirectly, organizations or individuals relying on documented retired‑officer firearms qualifications (e.g., for employment, permitting, or legal compliance).
Administrative and procedural impacts
- Creates a recurring administrative requirement for agencies and test administrators to transmit course completion records to the POST Board (likely modest staff/time burden).
- Provides retired officers clearer statutory pathways to document maintained firearms proficiency and to obtain photo identification reflecting a recent passed proficiency test.
- Clarifies that state certification/records do not equate to federal qualification under LEOSA, preserving limits on local authority regarding federal concealed‑carry qualification.
Notes on status
- Introduced Dec. 11, 2024; filed with the Secretary of State Mar. 27, 2025. The legislative record shows unanimous floor passage in both chambers and a notification listing HB 1589 as Act 676 (04/16/2025). Check the official state codification for the final enactment date and the effective date of the new provisions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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