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HB 1352

relative to payment and dispute resolution for medical bills under workers compensation.

2026 Regular Session

The bill allows concealed weapons in churches and certain places if approved under specific conditions, while granting liability immunity to entities for harms caused by such permi

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 183-153 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 54
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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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