North DakotaHB 15882025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 62.1-01-01, section 62.1-02-05, subdivision d of subsection 1 of section 62.1-04-03, and section 62.1-04-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to dangerous weapons, the possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon at a public gathering, testing for a license to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed, and producing a concealed carry license upon request; and to provide a penalty.

Sponsored By: Pat D. Heinert (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Liability shield for businesses and churches

Businesses, nonprofits, and government bodies are not liable for harm caused by someone allowed to carry a concealed dangerous weapon under this law. Churches and places of worship also have this immunity. This limits one way victims and families can recover money after such incidents.

New weapon rules for public places

Cities, counties, and townships can ban guns in public areas of publicly owned or operated buildings. The ban must cover Class 1 and Class 2 license holders and use metal detectors or armed security at entry. Publicly owned or operated buildings are now on the no‑weapons list for public gatherings. The ban does not apply in publicly owned rest areas or restrooms. Local governments may pass less‑restrictive rules, which then apply in that place. Schools and public buildings may include less‑than‑lethal weapons in their security plans. Knowingly violating the public‑gathering ban is a noncriminal infraction: $100 for a first offense, $500 for a later offense within three years.

Dangerous knife length raised to 6 inches

A knife counts as a dangerous weapon only if the blade is 6 inches or longer. The old limit was 5 inches. Fewer knives now meet the dangerous‑weapon rule.

Felony for using binary triggers in crimes

Using a binary trigger while committing a crime is a Class C felony. This raises criminal penalties for offenders who use that device.

Stricter ID and disclosure for concealed carry

If you carry a concealed weapon that needs a license, you must have the license or a photo of it and show it to an officer who asks. Not showing it is prima facie evidence of illegal concealed carry. If you carry under the state’s subsection 2 authority, you must carry a valid driver’s license or ID (or a photo) and show it when asked. In a traffic stop or other in‑person contact, if the officer asks, you must say you are carrying under subsection 2. Failing to show the required license or ID is a noncriminal offense with a $20 fee each time.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Pat D. Heinert

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jason Dockter

    Republican • House

  • Jared C. Hagert

    Republican • House

  • Dori Hauck

    Republican • House

  • Matthew Ruby

    Republican • House

  • Claire Cory

    Republican • Senate

  • Justin Gerhardt

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 51

House vote 4/15/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 87 nays 4

Yes: 87 • No: 4

Senate vote 4/3/2025

Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4

Yes: 43 • No: 4

House vote 2/25/2025

Second reading, passed, yeas 49 nays 43

Yes: 49 • No: 43

Actions Timeline

  1. Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22

    4/24/2025House
  2. Signed by Governor 04/21

    4/23/2025House
  3. Sent to Governor

    4/21/2025House
  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/21/2025House
  5. Signed by President

    4/17/2025Senate
  6. Second reading, passed, yeas 87 nays 4

    4/15/2025House
  7. Concurred

    4/15/2025House
  8. Returned to House (12)

    4/4/2025House
  9. Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4

    4/3/2025Senate
  10. Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

    4/3/2025Senate
  11. Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 6 1 0

    4/2/2025Senate
  12. Committee Hearing 02:30

    3/31/2025Senate
  13. Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee

    3/7/2025Senate
  14. Received from House

    2/25/2025Senate
  15. Second reading, passed, yeas 49 nays 43

    2/25/2025House
  16. Division B passed

    2/25/2025House
  17. Division A passed

    2/25/2025House
  18. Division of bill

    2/25/2025House
  19. Laid over one legislative day

    2/24/2025House
  20. Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

    2/24/2025House
  21. Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 0 1

    2/21/2025House
  22. Committee Hearing 02:30

    2/6/2025House
  23. Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee

    1/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee

  • Enrollment

  • FIRST ENGROSSMENT

  • FIRST ENGROSSMENT with Senate Amendments

  • INTRODUCED

  • Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Myrdal

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