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HF 4745

Firearms prohibited in buildings owned by or under the control of state or local governments, and criminal penalties provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Freiberg

Prohibits carrying firearms in state or local government buildings and outlines penalties, enforcement, exemptions, and implementation details.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
#buildingsandbuildingcodes #firearmsanddangerousweapons #governmentaloperations-state
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Bill Summary · HF 4745

Summary of HF 4745 (2025-2026) – Firearms Prohibited in Government Buildings; Penalties

Overview

HF 4745 is a Minnesota bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that would prohibit firearms in buildings owned by state or local governments or under their control. The measure establishes penalties for violations and defines scope, exemptions, enforcement, and implementation timelines. The bill’s primary aim is to restrict possession of firearms in government-owned or government-controlled spaces to enhance safety in public and government facilities.

Purpose and intent

  • Prohibit the possession of firearms in buildings owned by the state, a political subdivision (e.g., counties, cities), or buildings under the control of such governmental entities.
  • Create criminal penalties for violations of the prohibition.
  • Provide a framework for enforcement, exceptions, and phased or immediate applicability as determined by the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal or policy notes.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s title and basic structure)

  • Scope of prohibition
    • Firearms would be restricted in buildings owned by the state or a local government or buildings under government control.
  • Penalties
    • Establish criminal penalties for individuals who possess firearms in the prohibited buildings. Details typically include misdemeanor or felony classifications, fines, and potential jail time; the exact classification and penalty levels would be specified in the bill.
  • Enforcement and compliance
    • Provisions outlining how law enforcement would enforce the prohibition and how facilities would be posted or secured to communicate the restriction.
  • Exemptions and special circumstances
    • The bill would designate any exemptions (for example, law enforcement officers, individuals with valid concealed carry permits in certain contexts, or specific facilities where firearms may be allowed under other statutes) and any permitting or exception processes.
  • Definitions
    • Clear definitions of terms such as “firearm,” “building,” “owned by the state or local government,” and “controlled by” to avoid ambiguity.
  • Implementation timeline
    • The bill may specify an effective date or phased timeline for when the prohibition takes effect, as well as any transition periods for facilities to come into compliance.

Who would be affected

  • General public and visitors to state or local government buildings would be impacted by the prohibition on carrying firearms.
  • Employees and contractors working within government facilities could be subject to the restriction, including state and local government staff.
  • Law enforcement and security personnel (and potentially those with specific exemptions) would be involved in enforcement and compliance.
  • Facility operators and managers (state and local agencies) would be responsible for implementing signage, screenings, and policy changes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status
    • Introduced and first reading on March 26, 2026, and referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee.
  • Next steps in legislative process
    • The bill would likely undergo committee hearings, possible amendments, and votes in the relevant legislative chambers. If approved, it would move to the floor for full chamber consideration and potential conference committee reconciliation with any Senate version.
  • Effective date
    • The bill would specify an effective date (immediate upon enactment or a future date) and any staging requirements for different facilities.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Balances public safety with access to government facilities.
  • May affect carry permit holders and security protocols in government buildings.
  • Could necessitate signage, training, and security infrastructure updates for compliance.
  • Possible interaction with other state laws on firearms, concealed carry, or exemptions for certain facilities (e.g., courthouses, law enforcement facilities) depending on the final text.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s title and typical components of comparable firearms restriction measures. For precise language, definitions, exact penalties, exemptions, and effective dates, the bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

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

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