Omar Bennett
Several US governors have signed constitutional carry into law in their respective states. This includes Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia, Governor Spencer Cox of Utah, Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska. The laws allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a government-issued permit, with some variations in eligibility and restrictions across states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Governor signing constitutional carry | Brian Kemp (Georgia), Ron DeSantis (Florida), Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Spencer Cox (Utah), Kay Ivey (Alabama), Jim Pillen (Nebraska) |
| Date signed | April 12, 2022 (Georgia), July 1, 2023 (Florida), August 1, 2017 (North Dakota), May 5, 2021 (Utah), January 1, 2023 (Alabama), September 2, 2023 (Nebraska) |
| Bill number | SB 319 (Georgia), HB 543 (Florida), HB 1169 (North Dakota), HB60 (Utah), House Bill (Alabama), LB77 (Nebraska) |
| State | Georgia, Florida, North Dakota, Utah, Alabama, Nebraska |
| Number of state to pass the bill | 25th (Georgia), 26th (Florida), 27th (Nebraska), 28th (South Carolina), 29th (South Carolina) |
| Previous laws | Unloaded concealed handguns were legal without a license in New Hampshire |
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What You'll Learn
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs HB 543
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 543 into law on Monday, April 3, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to pass a permitless concealed carry bill. The new law allows Floridians who are 21 years or older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This includes both residents and non-residents of the state.
Previously, those carrying concealed firearms had to undergo background screening and training to obtain a concealed carry license. However, with the new law in place, while a permit is no longer required, individuals must still have a valid ID with them when carrying a concealed gun. This change aligns with the laws in other states, such as Vermont, which has always allowed constitutional carry of handguns without any government permit.
The signing of HB 543 by Governor DeSantis was witnessed and supported by several state leaders and members of law enforcement, including Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. The bill had passed the state Senate on the preceding Friday after the Republican super majority rejected an amendment requiring the safe storage of firearms.
The passage of HB 543 is a significant shift in Florida's gun laws, and it remains to be seen what impact this will have on public safety and crime rates in the state. Gun rights supporters and groups, like Gun Owners of America, had previously advocated for more comprehensive open carry legalization, which is still illegal in Florida except for specific activities like hunting, fishing, and camping.
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signs SB 319
On April 12, 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 319, also known as the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, into law. The bill removes the requirement for a concealed carry permit for adults aged 21 and above who are not prohibited from owning a firearm. With this, Georgia became the 25th state to pass a constitutional carry bill. However, it is the 22nd state to implement constitutional permitless carry legislation.
Governor Kemp was joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, two of his daughters, state constitutional officers, legislators, and other special guests at the bill signing ceremony. In his remarks, Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of standing up for the safety and constitutional rights of Georgia's citizens and expressed his commitment to supporting law enforcement. He also highlighted the state's efforts to enhance penalties for those who flee or allude to law enforcement and to strengthen tools to combat street gangs and human trafficking.
The signing of SB 319 was part of Governor Kemp's campaign promise to uphold the Second Amendment rights of Georgians. The bill ensures that law-abiding citizens can protect themselves without seeking permission from the state government. Governor Kemp also signed a license reciprocity measure, HB 218, which authorizes individuals licensed to carry a weapon in another state to do so in Georgia.
Supporters of the bill, such as the Firearms Policy Coalition, celebrated the move as a victory for gun rights and the Second Amendment. However, critics of the governor suggested that the timing of the bill signing, during an election year, was politically motivated. Despite the criticism, the bill was passed with bipartisan support, reflecting the diverse perspectives on gun legislation in Georgia.
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North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signs House Bill 1169
On March 23, 2017, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed House Bill 1169, allowing law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun if they have possessed a valid North Dakota driver's license or state ID card for at least a year. The bill, which took effect on August 1, applies only within North Dakota's borders.
The ""constitutional carry" authority provided under House Bill 1169 allows citizens to exercise their Second Amendment right under the U.S. Constitution. It is also consistent with the North Dakota Constitution, which declares in Article I that all individuals have the inalienable right "to keep and bear arms for the defense of their person, family, property, and the state, and for lawful hunting, recreational, and other lawful purposes, which shall not be infringed."
Governor Burgum, who has a Class 1 concealed weapons license, noted that neither the existing Class 2 requirements nor HB 1169 have a firearms training component. He encouraged anyone considering carrying a concealed weapon to enroll in one of North Dakota's many certified gun safety courses. "Gun ownership is both a right and a responsibility, and that responsibility begins with individuals and families," Burgum said.
The bill does not change the places designated in law as off-limits to conceal carry, including schools and publicly owned or operated buildings. Under HB 1169, individuals carrying a concealed weapon must inform a peace officer upon contact, and the bill is more enforceable because it is restricted to North Dakota residents.
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox signs HB60
On February 12, 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed HB60 into law, making it effective as of May 5, 2021. With this, Utah became the 18th state to institute constitutional carry, allowing for permitless carry, both openly and concealed, for adults over the age of 21. The bill also permits those between the ages of 18 and 20 to carry concealed with a provisional permit or any out-of-state permit, or to open carry if the firearm is unloaded.
The signing of HB60 was a significant shift in Utah's gun laws, as previously, in 2013, a similar bill, HB76, was passed by a two-thirds majority in both the state House and the state Senate, but was vetoed by then-Governor Gary Herbert, who stated that the existing gun laws did not restrict one's ability to acquire a concealed carry permit. He further remarked that they were "not the wild and woolly west." Despite this initial setback, efforts to renew the push for constitutional carry in Utah persisted, and with the signing of HB60 by Governor Cox, these efforts finally came to fruition.
The enactment of HB60 has fostered an environment that is less receptive to federal gun control measures. Specifically, it lowers the barriers for individuals seeking to defend themselves with firearms, creating a "gun-friendly" atmosphere that may hinder future federal attempts to impose limitations on firearms. This dynamic between state and federal gun legislation is not unique to Utah, as other states, such as Vermont, have also had a longstanding tradition of allowing "constitutional carry" of handguns without any government permit.
The passage of HB60 in Utah highlights the ongoing debate and differing approaches to gun legislation across the United States. While some states prioritize stricter gun control measures, others embrace more permissive frameworks, emphasizing the rights of citizens to bear arms and defend themselves. This legislative action in Utah underscores the state's commitment to expanding gun rights for its residents and setting a precedent that may influence the trajectory of gun policy discussions both within the state and across the nation.
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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signs House Bill 272
On March 10, 2022, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272 into law, which came into effect on January 1, 2023. The bill eliminates the requirement to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol in the state, as well as carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle. With this, Alabama joined other states like Nebraska, Utah, and Florida, which have similar constitutional carry laws in place.
Governor Ivey has been actively involved in signing several bills into law, aimed at improving Alabama communities and addressing various issues. On April 12, 2022, she signed three notable bills, including Senate Bill 272, which focuses on regulating digital access to healthcare for Alabamians, especially in rural areas. This bill is in line with the Ivey Administration's commitment to expanding broadband services in the state.
Governor Ivey also signed Senate Bill 224, which is related to unemployment compensation benefits. This bill requires individuals to actively seek employment by contacting prospective employers at least three times per week for each week of unemployment claimed to be eligible for benefits. This measure supports Alabama's businesses and ensures accountability among those seeking unemployment assistance.
Additionally, Governor Ivey has shown her commitment to strengthening the fairness and integrity of Alabama elections by signing relevant bills, such as Senate Bill 186, which bans the use of ranked-choice voting, and Senate Bill 1, which was designed to enhance the integrity of the state's electoral process. These actions demonstrate Governor Ivey's dedication to upholding the integrity of the democratic process in Alabama.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law on April 12, 2022.
Yes, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 543 into law on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation.
Yes, Governor McMaster signed House Bill 3594 into law, making South Carolina the 29th state to pass the Constitutional Carry bill.
Yes, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB77 into law on April 25, 2023, making Nebraska the 27th state to pass a constitutional carry bill.
Yes, Governor Spencer Cox signed HB60 into law on February 12, 2021, making Utah the 18th state to institute constitutional carry.
