Isabella Carter
As of March 2025, over half of the US states have embraced constitutional carry or unrestricted/permitless carry, with the majority passing such laws in the last decade. The date when constitutional carry goes into effect varies from state to state. For example, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law on June 16, 2021, which took effect on September 1, 2021. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed SB319 into law on April 12, 2022, and it took effect immediately. In Louisiana, constitutional carry will go into effect on July 4, 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States with constitutional carry | Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Idaho, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming |
| Age requirement | 21 and older (Florida, Texas) / 18 and older (Kansas) / 18+ (Indiana) |
| Date of Effect | Varies by state; for example, July 1, 2020 in Idaho; July 1, 2021 in Iowa; July 4, 2024 in Louisiana |
| Requirements | Legally eligible to own a firearm, no convictions for misdemeanour or violent crimes |
| Other names | Unrestricted carry, permitless carry |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Texas constitutional carry
Texas law allows people to carry guns wherever they are not prohibited. Texas law also gives most private property owners the power to choose whether they want to allow guns on their property or not. The law was amended in 2021 to remove the requirement to have a license to carry in order to carry a handgun.
On June 16, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1927, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, commonly known as the constitutional carry bill or the permitless carry bill, into law. The bill allows legally eligible gun owners aged 21 and above to carry their firearms without a Texas License to Carry (LTC). The bill was set to go into effect on September 1, 2021.
It is important to note that even with an LTC, there are places where carrying a firearm is prohibited. For example, one cannot carry a firearm inside a school building without written authorization from the school. LTC holders are allowed to carry in amusement parks and nursing homes unless the facility has provided effective Texas Penal Code Sections 30.06 and/or 30.07 notice.
Additionally, Texas law sets the age requirement to carry a gun at 21 years. However, a 2022 federal court case, Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc. et. al., v. Steven McCraw, et. al., challenged the constitutionality of this restriction. The court ruled that 18-to-20-year-olds may not be prosecuted based solely on their age. As a result, DPS stated that they would no longer deny LTC applications solely based on the applicant's age.
North Carolina's Constitutional Carry: What's the Future?
You may want to see also
Georgia constitutional carry
On April 12, 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law, which took effect immediately. Georgia became the 25th state to pass a constitutional carry bill, and the 22nd state for constitutional permitless carry legislation to take effect.
The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act allows any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun to carry a weapon in locations authorized by state law without a permit or license. A person is considered a "lawful weapon carrier" if they meet the following criteria:
- They would be eligible for a weapons carry license under Georgia law, regardless of whether they have a license, and are not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun.
- They are a resident of another state and would be eligible for a weapons carry license in Georgia if they were a resident of Georgia.
- They are licensed to carry a weapon in any other state.
However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to this law. For example, there are restrictions on who can carry weapons on school grounds and where weapons cannot be taken. Additionally, the law only allows a lawful weapons carrier to carry a concealed handgun on campus, and the weapon must be carried in a concealed fashion that does not actively solicit attention.
Prior to the enactment of the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, Georgia had a process in place for individuals to obtain a "weapons carry license." This process included a fingerprint background check and a criminal history records check. With the new law in place, individuals in Georgia are no longer required to obtain a license or undergo background checks to carry a concealed weapon in most public spaces.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Cabinet's Role
You may want to see also
Kansas constitutional carry
Kansas is a constitutional carry state, meaning that a permit is not required to carry a concealed handgun. On April 2, 2015, Governor Sam Brownback signed a bill into law that established constitutional carry in the state, with an effective date of July 1, 2015.
In Kansas, both residents and non-residents who are 21 years old or older can carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit, as long as they are legally allowed to possess a firearm. Non-residents aged 18 to 20 may carry concealed weapons, but they need to have a valid concealed carry permit to do so. Kansas issues licenses to carry concealed handguns on a shall-issue basis, and these licenses are issued by the Kansas Attorney General's Office.
Kansas law sets the minimum age to obtain a provisional CCHL (Carry Handgun License) at 18 years old, and the minimum age for a standard CCHL is 21 years old. Applicants for a CCHL must complete an 8-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general and submit a payment of $32.50 to the sheriff's office in their county of residence. As of July 1, 2023, the application fee was reduced to $0, but additional costs for the training course and other licensure fees may still apply.
While Kansas is a permitless carry state, there are still some restrictions on where firearms can be carried. For example, certain buildings, state/national parks, campgrounds, greenways, and nature trails may require a carry permit even for those with a CCHL. Additionally, while Kansas does not require individuals to have their CCHL with them at all times when carrying a concealed handgun, it is strongly recommended to have it on hand in case of encounters with law enforcement.
Abbott Signs Constitutional Carry Bill: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Indiana constitutional carry
Indiana's constitutional carry law, also known as House Bill 1296, came into effect in July 2022. The law removes the requirement for a permit to carry a handgun in Indiana, allowing for permitless or constitutional carry. However, it is important to note that this law only applies within Indiana, and those carrying firearms across state lines must be aware of other states' laws.
Under the new law, Indiana residents over the age of 18 can carry a handgun without a permit as long as they do not have a felony conviction. There are still restrictions on where guns can be carried, and privately owned businesses can prohibit patrons from carrying firearms on their property. Additionally, cities, counties, and towns can restrict firearms in buildings with courtrooms.
While the law has made it easier to carry a gun in public in Indiana, it is not a "get out of jail free card." The law imposes few requirements for gun purchases, but individuals must still meet the definition of a "proper person" as defined in Indiana Code § 35-47-1-7. Those with certain convictions, such as domestic violence or resisting law enforcement, do not meet this definition and are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
It is important to understand the regulations and restrictions surrounding gun ownership and carry laws in Indiana. Gun owners should be aware of the potential consequences of committing a crime with a firearm, including heavier penalties and the loss of gun ownership and carry rights. Seeking legal advice from an experienced Indiana gun attorney can help individuals understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Constitutional Carry Bill: Vetoed, What's Next?
You may want to see also
Florida constitutional carry
On April 3, 2023, Florida became the 26th state in the United States to pass a law allowing for the permitless carry of concealed weapons. This bill, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, went into effect on July 1, 2023, and eliminates the requirement for eligible Florida residents aged 21 and over to obtain a Concealed Weapon License (CWL) to carry a concealed firearm.
Prior to the new law, Florida residents were required to obtain a CWL to carry a concealed firearm. The new law provides greater gun rights for many Florida residents, allowing them to carry a concealed firearm without a license, permit, or training. However, it is important to note that the law does not apply to everyone. Individuals under the age of 21, those found guilty of drug crimes, and illegal drug users (including those with medical marijuana cards) are among those who are not covered by the new law.
Additionally, the new law does not change the existing requirements for background checks and minimum wait periods when purchasing a gun. State and federal requirements to purchase and own a firearm still apply. While the law removes the requirement for a license to carry a concealed weapon, measures are still in place during the purchase process to verify eligibility to possess and carry a concealed weapon. Obtaining a CWL is still beneficial for avoiding the waiting period when purchasing a firearm and for carrying a concealed weapon in states with reciprocity agreements.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on where concealed carry is permitted. For example, concealed carry is not allowed in places of nuisance as defined in Florida statutes, schools, colleges, airports, establishments serving alcohol, and any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law. While the new law provides greater flexibility for eligible individuals to carry concealed weapons, it is crucial to stay informed about the rules and regulations that apply to Florida constitutional carry.
Although the new law removes some restrictions on carrying concealed weapons, there are still important considerations and requirements in place. Florida residents considering carrying a concealed weapon should stay informed about the applicable laws and regulations to ensure they comply with all necessary requirements and restrictions.
Iowa's Constitutional Carry: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Texas's constitutional carry bill, also known as the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 16, 2021, and went into effect on September 1, 2021.
Tennessee's constitutional carry law went into effect on July 1, 2021. However, there was some confusion surrounding the unrestricted nature of the law. On March 23, 2023, a federal judge approved an agreement in the case of Beeler v. Long, lowering the legal age to carry a handgun in the state to 18.
Florida's permitless concealed carry bill was passed on April 12, 2022, and went into effect immediately.
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Kinetic Launcher Ultimate Bundle - Non Lethal Kinetic Projectile Launcher, Home & Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wu-phEIPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
