HB 1352 North Dakota House · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 62.1-02-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to possession of firearms or dangerous weapons at a church or place of worship.

HB 1352 would amend North Dakota law to allow churches and places of worship to permit individuals with valid concealed firearm permits to carry weapons inside their buildings. The bill creates liability protection for churches if they permit such carry, stating they cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by authorized individuals. It specifies that churches may allow concealed carry only for people already authorized under existing concealed carry laws (like reciprocity agreements) or with the church's approval. This policy change directly affects religious institutions and individuals seeking to carry firearms in places of worship, while maintaining prohibitions on firearms for most others in these settings.
Bill status passed 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Failed
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Feb 25, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

INTRODUCED FIRST ENGROSSMENT · 7 edits
MODERATE
This bill was amended to remove a new liability exemption for public and private entities, while adding new exemptions for individuals authorized to carry concealed weapons in churches and for individuals with reciprocity agreements. The bill also added a new exception for individuals authorized to carry concealed weapons on school property and clarified correctional officer firearm authorization rules.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include additional exemptions for individuals with concealed carry reciprocity and school property authorization, while removing a separate liability exemption provision.
ELIGIBILITY

Removed a new section creating liability exemption for public and private entities regarding injuries caused by individuals carrying concealed weapons.

Added exemption for individuals authorized under section 62.1-04-02 to carry concealed weapons in churches when approved by religious leaders or governing bodies.

Added exemption for individuals with reciprocity agreements under section 62.1-04-03.1 to carry concealed weapons in churches when approved by religious leaders or governing bodies.

Added exemption for individuals authorized to carry concealed weapons on school property under section 62.1-02-14.

Modified correctional officer exemption to clarify that officers employed by correctional facilities governed by chapter 12-44.1 may carry firearms only as authorized in section 12-44.1-30.

REQUIREMENT

Added new provision requiring schools and building operators to authorize use of less than lethal weapons as part of security plans.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provision stating that individuals knowingly violating the section are guilty of an infraction.

Floor votes · House Feb 25, 2025

How they voted

3951
Failed · 1 other
Total votes 91
Feb 25, 2025
D Democratic11
10 Nay 1
90% Nay
R Republican80
39 Yea 41 Nay
51% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Feb 25, 2025
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (39-51-1)
house
Feb 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
lower
Feb 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back amended, do not pass, amendment placed on calendar 9 3 1
lower
Feb 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 08:30
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors