House Votes on Bills to Expand Gun Rights - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

The North Dakota House votes on numerous bills that expand gun rights to those that hold concealed weapons permits.

The biggest changes involve guns being allowed in churches and schools.

Donnell Preskey has the story from the capitol.

Rep. Rick Becker / (R) Bismarck: "I contend that a "gun free zone" is a "gun for criminals' only zone."

The North Dakota House voted on numerous bills related to concealed weapons and where they can be allowed.

A majority of Representatives support concealed weapon permit holders bringing their guns into places of worship with prior approval from the church.

Rep. Diane Larson / (R) Bismarck: "We heard from one person who said trust in God, not guns. But committee felt it was a reasonable request to allow for security in church as long as approved in advance."

That same concept was used to pitch a bill allowing guns in schools.

If given approval by the school board, a concealed weapon permit holder can carrying a concealed gun on school grounds.

Rep. Kim Koppelman / (R) West Fargo: "If going to allow a gun in school who should it be and how should the decision be made."

The process schools use to decide who can pack heat is what most of the debate centered around...

The bill says school boards can meet in a closed meeting to discuss gun policy.

Rep Glen Froseth / (R) Kenmare: "The state doesn't need secret meetings especially when it comes to an important issue like this."

Rep. Dwight Kiefert / (R) Valley City: "The only reason behind the privacy part of this is not to educate any perpetrator on which school is armed, which ones aren't. The janitor is armed, he'll be there between 3 and 5. They don't need to have that information."

It's an issue parents brought forward to lawmakers as a way to provide a line of defense to some of the most defenseless...

Larson: "There was one man who said I send my kids to school can't be there to protect them, please allow someone to be able to."

The House approved the bills allowing concealed weapon permit holders to have guns in churches and schools, with permission.

Representatives also passed a bill allowing those with concealed weapon permits to carry a gun or weapon at a public gathering.

Another bill prohibits the government from confiscating guns or restricting gun use during a declared emergency.

All bills move on to the senate.