Subject: Legal carrying of handguns in State Parks for persons licensed under "Conceal and Carry" legislation
From: "Ron Hains"
Date: Mon, Nov 28, 2005 11:03 am
To: <list of names removed -- Andrew>

We have recently completed a review of MS 624.714, Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act. This is commonly known as the "Conceal and Carry" legislation. The bottom line of this review is that a person who is legally permitted under MS 624.714 to carry a handgun in the State of Minnesota, may legally carry that handgun in State Parks. The statute supercedes State Park rule # 6100.0800, which prohibits carrying firearms, other weapons, explosives, etc. Also, there are some states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Minnesota on carrying handguns, and people licensed in those states would also be able to carry in Minnesota, including in state parks. This could change over time, but thanks to Andrew Rothman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Defensive firearm Instructors, currently Arkansas, Louisiana, Utah and Wyoming have these reciprocal agreements with Minnesota. This information is listed on the web at: http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/CJIS/Coc ... tates.html

All other parts of the rule, 6100.0800 would still apply to all persons in state parks, and the rules provisions on carrying a handgun would still apply to all persons who do not possess a permit issued under MS 624.714 or are not legally licensed in a state with reciprocal agreements with Minnesota related to the carrying of handguns.

The next time that we revise rules, we will address the conflict between the statute and our rule, possibly with some exclusionary language for permit holders, but that will take some time to put into affect, and we will consult with our attorneys on the appropriate way to address it in the rules.

Until then, please provide this information to permit holders who request information, and please be sure that your local conservation officer is aware of this as well. If you want more complete information, you can check the statute on the web.

Please keep in mind that, in regards to our enforcement authority, vioations of firearms rules and statutes must be handled by a licensed peace officer, so if you suspect that someone is carrying a handgun without an appropriate license, that should be communicated to a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer for their attention.

If you have questions, please check with your supervisor or contact Steve Anderson or me.

Thanks.