Beresford Council adopts concealed-carry SOP and workplace-violence policy

The Beresford City Council on July 21 approved a standard operating procedure allowing concealed firearms in certain city facilities and an accompanying workplace-violence policy after a presentation by the city attorney. City Attorney Sam Nelson, filling in for Tom Freiberg, told the council that the 2025 legislative session produced a law (referred to in the meeting as House Bill 1218) that prevents municipalities from broadly prohibiting concealed carry by employees, volunteers, officials or members of the public. Nelson said the criminal code defines concealed weapons as those not visible to ordinary observation and that existing criminal statutes still apply for unsafe or threatening behavior. Nelson told the council the law includes limited exemptions allowing municipalities to prohibit concealed carry at events on city property where the city provides security—such as armed guards or metal detectors—and also grants municipalities limited immunity from civil liability for injuries resulting from an individual's possession of a concealed firearm. Council members moved and seconded approval of the new SOP and workplace-violence policy; by voice vote the mayor announced the motion carried. The measure does not create new criminal penalties; Nelson emphasized that unsafe handling, threats, leaving a firearm unsecured or other unlawful acts remain subject to criminal liability. He also advised the council that supervisors and law enforcement retain authority to secure weapons that are left unattended in city-run facilities such as a daycare. The council did not set additional restrictions beyond what the state law allows during the meeting. The city attorney offered to answer further questions and to assist the council with implementation details as needed. The council proceeded to other agenda items following the vote.