Truck Drivers Challenge Minnesota’s Firearm Permit Reciprocity in Federal Lawsuit

In January 2025, two interstate truck drivers filed a federal lawsuit against Minnesota officials, contesting the state’s refusal to recognize firearm permits issued by other states. The plaintiffs, supported by the Liberty Justice Center, argue that this policy infringes upon their Second Amendment rights by preventing them from legally carrying firearms for self-defense while traversing Minnesota.

Minnesota currently honors firearm permits from 20 states but excludes those from 29 others. This selective recognition poses challenges for individuals like interstate truck drivers who hold valid permits elsewhere but are prohibited from carrying firearms within Minnesota’s borders.

The lawsuit, titled McCoy v. Jacobson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. The plaintiffs assert that Minnesota’s non-recognition of their out-of-state permits forces them to choose between personal safety and compliance with state law. They seek a judicial declaration that Minnesota’s current policy violates the Second Amendment and an injunction requiring the state to acknowledge and honor firearm permits from other states.

This legal challenge underscores the complexities faced by individuals who travel across state lines with firearms. The lack of a federal reciprocity law means that permit holders must navigate a patchwork of state regulations, often leading to legal uncertainties and potential penalties. For truck drivers, whose profession necessitates interstate travel, inconsistent state laws can complicate efforts to maintain personal protection while adhering to varying legal standards.

This lawsuit is not Minnesota’s first encounter with legal challenges to its firearm regulations. In 2021, three young adults filed a federal lawsuit contesting the state’s minimum age requirement of 21 for carrying a handgun, alleging it violated their Second Amendment rights. Such cases highlight ongoing debates and legal scrutiny surrounding Minnesota’s firearm policies.

The outcome of McCoy v. Jacobson could have significant implications for firearm permit reciprocity and the rights of individuals who legally carry firearms across state lines. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs may prompt Minnesota to revise its permit recognition policies, potentially influencing broader discussions on national reciprocity standards. As this case progresses, it will be closely monitored by legal experts, policymakers, and citizens concerned with Second Amendment rights and interstate travel regulations.