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SF 4847

State or local governments owned or controlled buildings firearm prohibition provision and criminal penalties establishment provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonnie Westlin

The bill prohibits possessing a firearm in government-owned or controlled buildings and imposes criminal penalties for violations.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#crimesandcriminals #firearmsandweapons #government-local #government-state
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 4847

Summary of SF 4847 (Session 2025-2026, Minnesota)

Overview

SF 4847 introduces firearm prohibitions for buildings that are owned or controlled by state or local governments, and establishes related criminal penalties. The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees on March 25, 2026. Co-sponsor: Bonnie Westlin.

Purpose and Intent

  • To restrict possession of firearms in certain government-owned or government-controlled buildings.
  • To create criminal penalties for violations, thereby enhancing safety within government facilities.
  • The measure targets locations where government operations occur or where access is typically governed by public safety or security considerations.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill title and typical structure of similar measures)

  • Scope of Prohibition: The bill prohibits possessing a firearm in buildings that are owned or controlled by state or local governments. “Controlled” could include facilities where the government has the authority to regulate access, security, or use, even if not strictly owned by the government. (Note: the exact language would specify which entities and which areas within facilities are included.)
  • Criminal Penalties: Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the firearm prohibition. Penalties typically range from misdemeanor to gross misdemeanor or felony levels, depending on factors such as location, whether a firearm is loaded, or if additional circumstances apply (e.g., existing protective orders, prior offenses). The bill would specify the sentencing framework and any exemptions.
  • Exemptions and Defenses: Provisions may include explicit exemptions (e.g., for law enforcement officers in official duties, or for individuals with valid concealed carry permits in permitted areas) and potential defenses to charges.
  • Enforcement Provisions: Outlines enforcement responsibilities, applicable agencies (e.g., local police, state patrol), and procedures for enforcing the prohibition in government facilities.
  • Preemption or Limitations: The bill may address whether the prohibition preempts local ordinances or if local jurisdictions can enact stricter rules, as well as any limitations on places where the prohibition applies (e.g., public entrances vs. entire buildings).

Affected Parties and Entities

  • Primary: Individuals who would be in or around state or local government buildings, including employees, contractors, and visitors, who would be prohibited from possessing firearms in those spaces.
  • Government Entities: State and local governments that own or control buildings subject to the prohibition, and the agencies responsible for enforcing the rule.
  • Law Enforcement: Agencies responsible for enforcing the prohibition and handling violations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: March 25, 2026.
  • Referral: Judiciary and Public Safety committees, where bill details will be examined, including legality, constitutionality, and practical impact.
  • Next Steps (Expected): Committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and eventual passage or rejection. If advanced, the bill would proceed through additional committee stages, potential conference committees, and final floor votes in both chambers, followed by a governor’s signature or veto (pending legislative process for Minnesota during the 2025-2026 session).

Observations and Notes

  • The summary above reflects the bill’s stated title and typical content of similar firearm prohibition measures. The exact language will define every nuance, including precise locations, exemptions, penalty levels, and enforcement procedures.
  • The bill’s impact will hinge on how broadly “government-owned or controlled buildings” is defined, how exemptions are applied, and how penalties are structured.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary after reviewing the full text (once available) to extract precise definitions, penalty tiers, and any listed exemptions.

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

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