Douglas County holds public forum on state firearms zone changes
Summary
Board Chair Shane Schmidt summarized recent Minnesota law changes that repeal shotgun-zone requirements and give counties discretion on firearm restrictions; several Douglas County residents spoke during public comment about whether the county should keep shotgun-only zones or permit rifles in designated areas.
Douglas County's Board of Commissioners convened a public forum on Feb. 18, 2026, to discuss recent state-level changes to firearms zone rules. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and Commissioners Tim Kalina, Charlie Meyer, Jerry Rapp, Shane Schmidt (Chair) and Jeff Way were listed as present.
Board Chair Shane Schmidt provided a brief overview of changes to Minnesota's Firearms Zone Policy and corresponding updates to state law following the State's repeal of the Minnesota Shotgun Zone requirements. Schmidt summarized that the repeal allows counties to decide whether to impose local restrictions on certain firearms or to maintain shotgun-only zones, or to permit rifles in designated areas.
The Chair explained the protocol for public participation and opened the floor for public comment. Several Douglas County residents addressed the Board, presenting a range of views about how the county should respond: some urged retaining shotgun-only zones, while others spoke in favor of allowing rifles in designated areas or of adopting different local restrictions. The transcript records the presence of multiple resident speakers but does not provide individual names or verbatim quotes.
No motions or votes were recorded during the forum. After public comment, Chair Shane Schmidt thanked attendees and adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. The minutes were attested by Clerk Lenae Roeser.
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