This bill aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons within the Capitol complex and certain state buildings. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically sections 299E.04 and 609.66. The amendments clarify that licensed peace officers and military personnel performing official duties, as well as individuals with a valid permit to carry a pistol, are exempt from this prohibition in courthouse complexes. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions allowing retired peace officers who meet specific criteria to carry firearms in the Capitol Area while working in a security capacity.

The bill also modifies the data practices related to the committee's access to nonpublic data, ensuring that it does not extend to certain classified data. Notably, it removes previous language that allowed access to data on individuals providing notice under section 609.66. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the prohibition on possessing dangerous weapons does not apply to individuals authorized to carry a pistol under section 624.714 when they are in a motor vehicle or retrieving a firearm from their vehicle. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299E.04, 609.66