Numerous Right-to-Carry Reforms Marching Forward in North Dakota!

After passing in the House of Representatives by a vote of 91-3, the North Dakota Senate will soon assign House Bill 1389 to a committee. HB 1389, sponsored by State Representative Karen Karls (R-35), would allow all concealed carry permit holders to carry in public parks, including state parks.   

While the U.S. Department of the Interior's recent changed ots regulations to permit persons with concealed handgun licenses to possess and carry a firearm in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, state law prohibits permit holders from carrying in state parks.

So while you are currently allowed to carry in National Parks in North Dakota, HB 1389, will grant those with valid conceal carry permits the ability to carry in State Parks throughout North Dakota.

The North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1348, sponsored by State Representative Duane DeKrey (R-14), by a 48-46 vote Wednesday, February 18.

The original legislation would have allowed concealed carry permit holders to carry on university campuses in North Dakota, removing such facilities from the prohibited list.  However, the bill was amended significantly in House action.  HB 1348 now addresses a different issue, instead focusing on a storage problem for students who were forced to check their firearms into security "storage lockers" which have become full.  The bill allows students to store their guns in campus apartments and also permits the guns in those parking lots.  The legislation does not deal with campus dorms or fraternity and sorority houses.   

Senate Bill 2415, introduced by State Senator Connie Tripplett (D-18), creates a dual system permit process so that residents interested in expanded reciprocity can voluntarily take additional training.  This option was provided after a few states reportedly ended their reciprocity agreements with North Dakota when the state phased out its training requirement. The bill would also extend a North Dakota concealed carry permit’s validity from 3 to 5 years.  The bill passed the Senate on a unanimous vote last week and has been sent to the House for consideration.  It has not yet been assigned to a House committee.

While none of these bills have been assigned to a committee, please continue to check your email and www.nraila.org for further updates.