State Senate Votes to Loosen Requirements for Carrying Concealed Carry Permits

Under current North Dakota if you are the holder of a valid concealed carry permit but get caught carrying your weapon without your permit on your person you will be cited for a Class A Misdemeanor.

Today the state Senate voted to loose that law a bit, passing by a 44-2 margin SB2139, introduced by Senator Oley Larsen of Minot, which gives citizens ten days to give law enforcement proof of their valid permit if they’re caught without it.

Two Democrats opposed the legislation, however, and both spoke against it.

“Why ten days?” asked Senator Tim Mathern of Fargo. “It seems like a fairly serious situation to be in to have a gun…why ten days?”

Senator Larry Luick, who carried the bill out of committee to the floor, answered that it was the number law enforcement agencies in the state felt was appropriate. Senator Kelly Armstrong chimed in adding that law enforcement will still issue a citation, and likely confiscate the gun, until such a time as proof of a permit is produced.

Senator Merrill Piepkorn, the other Democrat to vote against the bill, said he “was held to a stiffer standard for not having my fishing license with me in Minnesota.”

“I believe carrying a firearm is a constitutional right while driving and fishing are privileges,” Senator Janne Mrydal responded.

I think loosening the requirement is just fine. After all, what’s the point of the law? To stop people from carrying concealed weapons when they’re not licensed to? Or to issue citations because a valid license holder left their permit at home?

Here’s video of the floor debate:

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