The Second Amendment of our Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms and many within the United States choose to do so by carrying a concealed firearm with them. Concealed carry is a practice taken part in by a multitude of Americans, often as a means for self-defense. Many Americans are opposed to concealed carry out of concern for gun violence prevention, while proponents of the practice argue that it actually keeps individuals safer and is a right granted by our country. Regardless of one’s stance, concealed carry is currently permitted in all 50 states in the country.
Some states have policies that require the possession of a permit to carry a firearm, some have limitations to permits, and some have unrestricted carry laws. Though concealed carry is permitted in the U.S., state and federal laws continually change to address public concerns. As such, it is necessary to stay updated on various significant alterations and amendments regarding firearm carry legislation across the United States. BillTrack50 is your free source for staying up-to-date with new legislation across the country, including information about firearms. We’ve highlighted significant updates to concealed carry legislation below.
Firearm Permits
Numerous states currently have policies in place for the permitless carry of firearms like the states of Texas and Arizona. Conversely, there are also those that require a permit or license for the concealed carry of a firearm, such as the states of Nevada and Florida. No matter the legislation in place in various states, the option of participating in a concealed firearm permit course remains for all individuals wanting to take part in doing so. Processes differ for available courses, but generally revolve around the safety of firearms.
Typically, firearm permit courses enable individuals to obtain education and training on how to properly and safely handle, use, and store firearms. After completion, participants are granted a permit for concealed carry in their state. The safety courses are taught by certified instructors who know about firearm safety and usage so participants can handle firearms responsibly. For example, the Concealed Firearm Permit Course in Las Vegas is conducted by a certified firearms permit instructor with extensive knowledge about state laws and concealed carry permits. Visitors do not need to bring ammunition or any sort of tactical gear with them to the course. While legislation regarding the requirement of permits for concealed carry varies across the nation, the option to participate in a course remains an option.
Georgia
In April of 2022, the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021 (SB319) was signed and enacted by the state and its legislators. This kind of legislation regarding firearms is often found to be controversial by individuals and organizations alike because it eliminates the need for a permit for concealed carry. This constitutional carry bill that was passed allows eligible, qualified Georgia residents to now carry a concealed firearm without having to obtain a license or permit to do so.
Anywhere a licensed firearm owner can hold one, so could a resident carry a concealed firearm. The policy supports the constitutional right to bear arms by removing restrictions on carrying firearms in parks, historic sites, and recreational areas in the state. Restrictions in airports and government buildings remain in place. A major bill, the Constitutional Carry Act makes Georgia the 25th state in the country to not have legislation that requires a permit to carry in public. Similar bills have been introduced and/or signed across the country.
Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers have advanced legislation (HB 37) that would enable residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This bill would be a massive step towards enabling residents to protect themselves and their families through concealed carry. It would remove the current requirement for a permit for concealed carry in the open carry state. The bill applies to residents that are 21 years of age and older that are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. Should the legislation pass, Louisiana would follow Georgia as another state that has constitutional carry legislation.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, amendments to the Personal Protection Act (HF3023) were introduced to lawmakers this year. The bill was amended to read that an applicant for concealed carry of a firearm must present evidence that they received training in the safe use of a pistol within a year of the date of their application, either through employment as a peace officer or with completion of a firearms safety or training course by a certified instructor.
In addition to amending language in the Personal Protection Act, the legislation proposed would create lifetime permits to carry handguns without the need for permit renewals every five years, which is currently required in the state. The legislation would also reduce the permit to carry application fee for applicable residents.
North Carolina
Like the state of Louisiana, North Carolina also has their own Constitutional Carry Act (H197) that is being considered by lawmakers. This legislation would enable eligible North Carolina residents that are 18 years of age and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This move would remove obstacles to exercising their Second Amendment rights in the state. The bill in question would continue to allow individuals to acquire a concealed carry permit if desired; the permit would become optional. If the bill passes, North Carolina would be joining the constitutional carry wave sweeping the nation.
Nebraska
Earlier in 2022, Nebraska introduced a bill (LB 773) that would have eliminated concealed carry permit requirements in the state. It also would have gotten rid of the need to pass a criminal background check and the passing of a gun safety course. However, the bill was postponed indefinitely by lawmakers in April. Nebraska remains an open carry state.
Ohio
This year, Ohio passed a bill allowing for constitutional carry. The law made Ohio the 23rd state to pass a law regarding the permitless carrying of a firearm. SB215 allows qualified adults that are 21 years of age and not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law to carry a firearm without having to obtain a license. Permits are now optional. Law-abiding citizens may now carry a firearm concealed in the open carry state.
In addition, it is no longer required for residents to complete the eight-hour training course (including two hours of in-person range time) after the law goes into effect. It should be noted that SB215 does not impact the requirement for individuals to pass a background check to purchase or possess a firearm in the state. Ohio’s law allowing for constitutional carry goes into effect on June 13th of this year.
Pennsylvania
Representatives in Pennsylvania are discussing a bill (HB659) that would allow for concealed carry without the need to obtain a permit for eligible adults over 18 years of age. Instead, obtaining a license to carry a firearm would be optional for residents. Should the legislation pass, Pennsylvania would be yet another state in the country to have constitutional carry.
UNITED STATES
Perhaps one of the most significant pieces of legislation regarding concealed carrying of guns in America is the federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. It is a significant step in ensuring that Americans that want to carry a concealed firearm are supported by the country, rather than criminalized. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (HR 38) is currently in committee in U.S. Congress in the House. First introduced last year, this legislation aims to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines. The bill would amend Title 18 of the United States Code, requiring all states to recognize concealed carry permits or licenses granted by other states.
The legislation would allow those with permits to travel freely between states with their concealed firearm so long as that other state also allows residents to carry concealed firearms. This also applies to residents of states allowing constitutional carry. It would allow Americans to carry their legal concealed firearm without risking breaking the laws of other states they visit or pass through. H.R. 38 is a bill that would guarantee Second Amendment rights, acknowledging the right to carry a firearm so long as laws of the state are followed by the individual. If passed by the House, it would then be passed to the Senate to be reviewed and either approved or rejected.
It is a common misconception that constitutional carry means that anyone and everyone can carry a gun. However, there are still limitations to concealed carry legislation. U.S. gun laws are in place to regulate the purchasing and carrying of firearms. Besides differing age requirements for concealed carry in states, those that have been convicted of a felony or are prohibited by law from purchasing a firearm are unable to participate in permitless carry. Current legislation only applies to qualified, law-abiding residents of these states.
Since legislation regarding firearms is continually changing, it is crucial to stay informed about bills and legislators in your state and on a federal level. Whether you are a gun owner or not, having the proper information about current legislation in the country being addressed or enacted keeps you knowledgeable about rights on state and federal levels. BillTrack50 can help you stay informed about firearm legislation and more, providing the latest updates on new and trending legislation being proposed across the country.