This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.66, subdivision 1d, to allow certain retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms on school property. The existing penalties for possessing dangerous weapons on school property remain, but the bill introduces a new provision that permits individuals authorized to carry firearms under specific federal law (United States Code, title 18, part I, chapter 44, section 926C) to do so on school grounds without facing penalties. Additionally, the bill clarifies that firearms carried in violation of this new provision are not subject to forfeiture.

The bill also modifies the list of exemptions from the existing restrictions on firearm possession in schools. It removes the previous exemption related to individuals on unimproved property owned or leased by a child care center or school, and adds a new exemption for retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.66