This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish the right to carry firearms without a permit while also providing an option for individuals to apply for an optional permit to carry a pistol. The new legal language includes provisions that affirm the Second Amendment rights of individuals to carry firearms in public places, defined as property owned or controlled by governmental units or private property open to public use, with certain exceptions. The bill introduces subdivisions that clarify the criteria for obtaining an optional carry permit, including age, training requirements, and application processes, while also detailing the responsibilities of sheriffs in issuing these permits.

Additionally, the bill repeals existing statutes that mandated permits for carrying firearms and outlines the creation of an automated database to track individuals issued optional permits. It also requires annual reporting on permit statistics and the reasons for any permit denials or revocations. The amendments emphasize that the criteria and procedures for issuing permits are exclusive and cannot be altered by local authorities, thereby standardizing the process across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 624.714