Bill to limit government regulation of firearms in houses of worship draws competing testimony

Representative Koppelman told the committee House Bill 1352 would remove state interference in how churches manage firearms on their property and restore an indemnification provision for churches that opt in to allow carriers.

"This takes government completely out of the business of the church," Koppelman said, arguing that courts have often found government restrictions on churches impermissible and that churches should be treated like other private-property owners who may set or remove restrictions.

The North Dakota Catholic Conference opposed the bill. Christopher Dodson testified the current law allows places of worship to permit firearms "if the place of worship gives approval" and that the existing statutory scheme "respects the varying religious views on the matter." Dodson warned that HB 1352 "destroys that carefully designed compromise and tosses aside the religious rights of places of worship," saying the change could invite litigation.

Supporters including Brian Gosch (NRA) described real-world incidents that shaped prior policy choices and argued for options that permit defensive preparations in sacred spaces. Gosch noted other states allow carry in houses of worship with few reported issues and described examples where an armed individual stopped a mass-shooting attack. Gosch said signage practices vary and that surrounding states with church carry have not tended to require uniform posted notices.

Committee members raised questions about mixed-use facilities (churches that host schools or daycare) and how the bill would operate where church-owned buildings have co-located schools. Koppelman said school restrictions remain governed by the school-specific provisions and that the bill would not override separate school prohibitions.

The committee received multiple opposing statements and closed the hearing on HB 1352 without a committee vote recorded in the transcript.