North DakotaHB 15882025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Governor and retired judges gain carry exemption

The governor and retired state or federal judges gain an exemption from weapon limits at covered public gatherings. They must maintain the firearms proficiency that the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board requires for law enforcement officers.

Local governments can ease weapon limits

North Dakota local governments can adopt less restrictive weapon rules for public gatherings. The State Board of Higher Education has the same power through its policies. An adopted rule replaces this state restriction within the relevant jurisdiction. Neither local governments nor the board must change their rules.

Six-inch cutoff narrows knife restrictions

The blade-length cutoff for classifying a knife as a dangerous weapon rises from five inches to six inches. A blade six inches or longer meets the cutoff. Shorter knives are not covered based on blade length alone, though separately listed knife types remain covered.

$100 fee for knowing weapon violations

Knowingly breaking the weapon possession rules at covered public gatherings carries a $100 fee per violation. Covered locations include school events on school property, places of worship, and publicly owned or operated buildings. The law lists exceptions for authorized people and activities. The offense is noncriminal.

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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