Minnesota Courts Ban Firearms Statewide: What Does This Mean for Permit-to-Carry Holders?

Minnesota's permit-to-carry laws just got a little more complicated. And this time, the change didn't come from the Minnesota Legislature.

Effective September 1, 2026, the Minnesota Judicial Branch implemented a statewide order prohibiting firearms and other weapons in court facilities, including those carried by individuals with valid Minnesota permits to carry.

While firearm restrictions in courthouses aren't exactly breaking news, the way this particular restriction came about raises some interesting questions about Minnesota gun laws, Second Amendment rights, and the authority of our judicial system.

Let's break it down.

What Does Minnesota's New Courthouse Firearms Ban Say?

The statewide order, signed by Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, prohibits firearms and other weapons in court-occupied areas throughout Minnesota.

The restriction includes:

• Courtrooms and court-occupied areas in county government buildings.
• Facilities used for official Minnesota Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and district court business.
• Additional areas designated by chief judges for court security.

And yes, the prohibition applies to Minnesota permit to carry holders, too.

There are limited exceptions for authorized law enforcement officers performing official duties and weapons introduced as evidence under established safety procedures.

Individuals entering affected facilities may also be required to undergo weapons screening.

What Did Minnesota Law Previously Allow?

Here's where things get interesting.

Under Minnesota Statute §609.66, subdivision 1g, possessing a dangerous weapon within a courthouse complex is generally prohibited.

However, the statute specifically provides an exception for individuals carrying pistols under a valid Minnesota permit to carry who meet the applicable notification requirements.

In other words, Minnesota law has an exception for qualifying permit holders.

That doesn't mean every courthouse previously allowed firearms. Several judicial districts had already implemented their own restrictions, regardless of permit status.

What changed on September 1 was the implementation of a uniform judicial restriction across Minnesota court facilities.

Wait. The Courts Can Make That Decision Without the Legislature?

That's the question worth discussing.

The new restriction wasn't passed as a bill by Minnesota lawmakers or signed into law by the governor. It was established through an administrative order issued by the judicial branch.

Minnesota's judicial system has independent constitutional authority to manage court operations, including courthouse security.

Supporters argue that courts must be able to establish security measures to protect judges, employees, and members of the public without relying on legislative action.

Critics question whether judicial administrative authority should override an exception specifically written into Minnesota statute, particularly when it affects law-abiding permit holders.

It's an interesting intersection of courthouse security, constitutional rights, and the separation of powers.

And it's certainly worthy of discussion.

Can You Carry a Firearm Into a Minnesota Courthouse in 2026?

Generally, no. Under the statewide judicial order effective September 1, 2026, Minnesota permit-to-carry holders cannot bring firearms into covered court facilities simply because they possess a valid permit.

The exact areas covered can vary depending on the facility and additional local security orders, so don't assume the entire county government building is automatically covered. Check the applicable restrictions before visiting.

What Do You Think, RVAA Nation?

Here at River Valley Arms & Ammo, we're passionate about responsible firearm ownership, understanding Minnesota gun laws, and keeping our community informed.

We also believe it's important to ask questions when government policies affect the rights of law-abiding citizens.

So here's one worth considering:

Should Minnesota's judicial branch have the authority to prohibit something that state law specifically provides an exception for?

Or is this simply a reasonable exercise of the courts' responsibility to maintain safe facilities?

We're curious where you stand.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page. Let's hear your thoughts!