In Johnson v. Jacobson, Jeffrey Johnson Sr., a long-haul truck driver with carry permits from Florida and Georgia, challenged Minnesota’s refusal to honor his permits. In May 2026, the Eighth Circuit ruled against him, and he asked the US Supreme Court to hear his case. Because the case challenges Minnesota’s own law, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus joined other gun rights organizations in an amicus brief urging the Court to grant review.
Interstate visitors are Americans, yet states like Minnesota treat them like suspect foreigners who must be re-vetted before exercising a fundamental right. The burden falls hardest on people like Mr. Johnson, whose job takes him through state after state, and Minnesota law does not even allow visitors to carry while traveling through.
Our brief makes three arguments:
- Travelers from other states were historically exempted from state and local restrictions on carrying firearms. Dozens of “traveler’s exception” laws from the colonial era through the 19th century confirm the tradition.
- Americans who want to carry across state lines face considerable burdens: the cost and time of getting a permit in every state that requires one.
- Americans with carry permits are overwhelmingly law-abiding.
We are joined in this Amicus Curiae Brief by:
- The Second Amendment Foundation
- The National Rifle Association of America
- The California Rifle & Pistol Association
- The Second Amendment Law Center
- The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Outcome
On October 5, 2026, the Supreme Court denied certiorari, leaving the Eighth Circuit’s decision in place.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
Case Details
Case Title
Jeffrey M. Johnson, Sr. v. Bob Jacobson, in his official capacity as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, on petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
US Supreme Court Case #
26-255
Our Brief
On our website, you can read our Amicus Brief filed in the United States Supreme Court on September 15, 2026.
Counsel of Record
In this case, we are represented by Konstadinos T. Moros of the Second Amendment Foundation.
Want to support our legal and litigation efforts?
Our lawsuits and amicus briefs are underwritten by the Minnesota Gun Owners Support Fund, doing business as the MN Gun Owners Law Center, a 501(c)(3). Gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.