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.
Summary
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.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 20, 2025
Signed Apr 23, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
→
Enrollment
·
6 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates North Dakota's dangerous weapons laws by modifying the definition of 'dangerous weapon' to include larger knives, adding exemptions for certain individuals at public gatherings, and creating new liability protections for entities allowing concealed carry. The changes expand who can legally carry firearms in specific locations and clarify rules around binary triggers and training requirements.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of who is exempt from firearm restrictions at public gatherings and modifies the definition of dangerous weapons to include larger knives. It also adds new exemptions for security personnel, state parks, and individuals with concealed carry reciprocity.
DEFINITION
Changed the knife blade length threshold from five inches to six inches in the definition of dangerous weapons.
ELIGIBILITY
Added new exemptions allowing private and public security personnel, state/federal judges, and individuals with concealed carry reciprocity to carry firearms at public gatherings.
Added exemptions for individuals in rest areas, restrooms, and storage in state buildings when residing there.
Removed exemptions for buildings owned by the state board of higher education from the public gathering restrictions.
ENFORCEMENT
Created a new section exempting public and private entities from liability for injuries caused by individuals carrying concealed weapons.
Established a class C felony penalty for using binary triggers in the commission of a crime.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 3, 2025 · House Apr 15, 2025
How they voted
43–4
Passed
Total votes 47
Apr 3, 2025
D
Democratic5
80% Nay
R
Republican42
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
23
Key actions
13
Committee
4
Apr 24, 2025
Introduced
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22
legislature
Apr 23, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor 04/21
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 87 nays 4
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Concurred
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 43 nays 4
upper
Apr 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
upper
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 6 1 0
upper
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Hearing 02:30
upper
Mar 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Second reading, passed, yeas 49 nays 43
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Division B passed
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Division A passed
lower
Feb 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
lower
Feb 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 0 1
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearing 02:30
lower
Jan 20, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources Committee
lower
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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