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HF 636

Right to carry without a permit provided, and optional permit to carry provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Allen and 28 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill eliminates concealed carry permits while allowing optional permits, shifting to constitutional carry for handguns statewide.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 636

Legislative bill overview

HF 636 would eliminate the permit requirement for carrying concealed handguns in Minnesota, allowing constitutional carry while also maintaining an optional permit system for those who want one (likely for reciprocity with other states). This represents a significant shift from Minnesota's current permitting framework where sheriffs issue carry permits based on "shall issue" criteria.

Why is this important

Minnesota's permitless carry would join roughly half of U.S. states in allowing concealed carry without government authorization, affecting public safety policy and law enforcement practices. The optional permit provision suggests intent to maintain some reciprocal agreements with other states while allowing unrestricted carry within Minnesota.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety impact: Opponents argue permitless carry removes background check touchpoints and tracking mechanisms that assist law enforcement; supporters counter that law-abiding citizens shouldn't need permission and criminals ignore permit requirements anyway
  • Law enforcement concerns: Sheriffs may lose a permitting process that provides revenue and a mechanism to identify ineligible carriers; the bill doesn't clarify how background checks occur without formal permits
  • Interstate reciprocity complications: Maintaining an optional permit system alongside constitutional carry creates administrative complexity and potential inconsistency in how permits are issued and recognized across state lines

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

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