Firearm Laws & Litigation Articles - USA Carry

BATON ROUGE, LA — In a major win for Second Amendment advocates, Louisiana has officially enacted House Bill 407, removing residency restrictions for concealed handgun permits. Signed by Governor Jeff Landry, the new law—effective August 1, 2025—enables non-residents to apply for and receive Louisiana concealed carry permits. This legislation is a direct result of the Firearms Policy Coalition’s lawsuit, Mate v. Wescott, which challenged the state’s previous residency limitations on permit issuance.

Since July 4, 2024, Louisiana has recognized permitless carry, also known as constitutional carry, allowing law-abiding adults—including non-residents—to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, carryin...

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — In a unified move to support Second Amendment rights, 24 state attorneys general, led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey, have formally urged Congress to pass H.R. 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.” The letter, dated May 21, 2025, was addressed to House and Senate leadership and outlines strong support for nationwide concealed carry reciprocity for law-abiding citizens.

The letter argues that the measure respects state sovereignty while protecting constitutional liberties. H.R. 38 would allow individuals permitted to carry concealed handguns in their home state to do so in any...

RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina’s Freedom to Carry NC bill (Senate Bill 50) passed a critical milestone on Tuesday, June 11, clearing its second reading in the House with a 59–48 vote. The bill, which would legalize permitless concealed carry for law-abiding citizens 18 and older, now moves closer to final House passage — and a showdown with Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has already signaled his intent to veto it.

All 59 “aye” votes came from Republicans, while all 48 “no” votes included Democrats and two Republicans. Thirteen lawmakers were marked absent.

The legislation would eliminate the need for concealed carry permits while reta...

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week that a new reciprocity agreement has been finalized with Virginia, officially allowing Virginia concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry in Pennsylvania. While Virginia has long honored all valid out-of-state concealed carry permits—including Pennsylvania’s—Pennsylvania had not previously recognized Virginia permits, creating a one-way arrangement that this agreement now corrects.

The agreement, reached in cooperation with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, makes Virginia the 30th state with which Pennsylvania holds a mutual concealed carry reciprocity agreement.

“Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to re...

If you’ve seen the viral clip floating around where Indiana State Representative Jim Lucas says “I’m carrying right now,” you’ve probably also seen the meltdown that followed. Headlines screamed about him “brandishing” a firearm in front of students. Social media exploded with outrage. And, as always, the anti-gun crowd clipped the moment out of context to make it look like a threat.

But here’s what really happened.

On January 30th, 2024, Rep. Lucas was having a calm, face-to-face conversation with high school students from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie. The students were at the Indiana Sta...

RALEIGH, NC — Senate Bill 50, titled Freedom to Carry NC, continues to advance in the North Carolina House. On June 3, 2025, the bill was reported favorably and re-referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee after narrowly clearing the House Judiciary 2 Committee earlier that day by a 6–5 vote.

The legislation would allow law-abiding U.S. citizens 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while preserving the existing concealed handgun permit system for those who want it for reciprocity or personal preference. The bill also increases penalties for certain firearm-related crimes and establishes a scholarship fund for child...

WASHINGTON, DC — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced a major policy shift on Friday, rolling back its controversial “zero-tolerance” stance toward Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) during compliance inspections. The updated national policy aims to promote fairness, consistency, and a renewed emphasis on public safety while respecting the rights of lawful gun dealers.

Replacing the 2021 Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement policy, the new guidance instructs ATF investigators to use discretion in evaluating inspection results, distinguishing between clerical errors and willful misconduct. This marks a significant departure from the prior policy, which critics say often led to license...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic and tightly contested vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a single vote, 215-214. Included in the bill is the full removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA), eliminating the $200 tax and federal registration process that have long restricted suppressor ownership in the United States.

The provision, based on Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, removes suppressors from the NFA’s definition of a firearm, and sets the transfer and making tax at $0. If signed into law, this change would make su...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A critical federal effort is underway to stop credit card companies and financial institutions from tracking lawful firearm and ammunition purchases using merchant category codes (MCCs) that single out gun retailers. Senate Bill 1715 and its House companion, H.R. 1181, known as the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, would prohibit the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC — a system already exposed as a tool for backdoor surveillance of gun owners.

Introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), this legislation aims to ensure that Second Amendment rights are not quietly undermined by anti-g...

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 2818 into law on May 15, 2025, officially enacting a sweeping update to Oklahoma’s self-defense and firearms statutes. Authored by Rep. Jay Steagall, the measure passed both chambers with broad support — 73-16 in the House and 39-7 in the Senate.

The new law clarifies that pointing a firearm is not unlawful when done in lawful self-defense or in defense of one’s home or business. Prior to this bill, citizens who displayed or pointed a firearm — even without firing — risked criminal penalties, including misdemeanor or felony charges.

HB 2818 removes administrative...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is calling out the House Ways and Means Committee for what it sees as a weak and disappointing move on suppressor reform, saying lawmakers missed a clear chance to roll back unconstitutional gun control.

The new language, included in a broader tax package, would reduce the $200 federal tax on suppressors to zero. However, the process to own a suppressor under the National Firearms Act (NFA)—which includes federal registration, paperwork, and waiting for government approval—would remain in place.

GOA had been pushing for full deregulation of suppres...

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 106 into law on May 6, 2025, authorizing the lawful possession of loaded firearms while operating or riding snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) under specific conditions.

Previously, Iowa law required that firearms transported on snowmobiles or ATVs be unloaded and stored in a carrying case. SF 106 removes those restrictions, now permitting the carry of a loaded firearm—whether concealed or not—when on land that the person owns, possesses, or rents, provided the individual’s conduct is otherwise lawful. Additionally, the law allows for the carry of a loaded pistol or revolv...

RALEIGH, NC — In a significant advancement for Second Amendment rights in North Carolina, the House passed House Bill 674, known as the “Firearms Liberty Act,” on May 7 with a 70-42 vote. The legislation introduces lifetime concealed carry permits, streamlines renewals for lapsed permits, expands options for firearm storage during domestic violence protective orders, and enhances school safety protocols with defensive devices in biometric safes.

The bill now moves to the Senate after clearing its third reading in the House.

Key Provisions of the Firearms Liberty Act:

Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits:

The bill allows...

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has officially expanded its concealed carry permit reciprocity to include 33 states, significantly increasing recognition of out-of-state permits. This move follows the outcome of Worth v. Jacobson, a federal court case that struck down Minnesota’s age restriction preventing 18- to 20-year-olds from obtaining a carry permit.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2023 that the age restriction violated the Second Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the state’s appeal in April 2025, leaving the ruling in place. As a result, Minnesota has updated its reciproc...

JACKSONVILLE, FL — A Jacksonville city councilman has alleged that private security personnel under the city’s direction maintained an unauthorized registry of citizens legally carrying concealed firearms into municipal buildings, potentially violating Florida law and the U.S. Constitution.

Councilman Nick Howland (R-At Large, Group 3) disclosed that private security stationed at City Hall and the Yates Building—the latter housing the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser’s Offices—had allegedly kept written records of individuals who entered with lawfully concealed firearms. According to Howland, this documentation included personal details such as names, contact information, and the type of firearm...

FORT WORTH, TX — A group of Texas gun owners backed by the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) is asking a federal court to strike down parts of the Texas Penal Code that prohibit the carrying of firearms in specific public venues. The lawsuit, Ziegenfuss v. Martin, currently before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, challenges three separate carry bans covering establishments that derive 51% or more of their revenue from alcohol sales, racetracks, and sporting events.

At the heart of the case is the claim that Texas Penal Code § 46.03 unlawfully infringes upon the Second Amend...

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A comprehensive firearm bill that enhances carry rights for correctional probation officers and expands waiting period exemptions for certain firearm purchasers, including military servicemembers, has been officially enrolled and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.

House Bill 383, titled “Purchase and Possession of Firearms by Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, Correctional Probation Officers, and Servicemembers,” passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The House approved the bill in a 111-0 vote, while the Senate followed with a 33-3 vote. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending the governor’s approval.<...

ELIZABETH CITY, NC — A tragic shooting at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) during the school’s annual Viking Fest left one person dead and several others injured. The incident occurred early Sunday near the center of campus, prompting a lockdown and emergency response from multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet released details about the suspect.

Shortly after the shooting, The Chronicle published an article titled “Shooting at HBCU as lawmakers consider ending concealed carry permits”, attempting to tie the criminal act to North Carolina’s pending constitutional carry legislation. This framing is dee...

SACRAMENTO, CA — California lawmakers are advancing a controversial new bill, SB 704, that would treat firearm barrels like complete firearms, requiring all sales and transfers to go through a licensed dealer with a background check. The legislation, introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín (D), is the latest in a series of proposals that expand regulatory control over individual gun parts — this time targeting components that have never been considered firearms on their own.

Under SB 704, beginning July 1, 2026, firearm barrels could no longer be sold or transferred privately or online without going through a licensed firearms dealer. The bill would...

EMPORIA, KS — The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that Bass Pro Outdoor World and Beretta U.S.A. are immune from a product-liability lawsuit filed by Marquise Johnson, who was accidentally shot by a friend attempting to disassemble a Beretta handgun inside a vehicle.

The case, Johnson v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, involved a 2018 incident where André Lewis, believing a pistol could not fire without a magazine, pulled the trigger to disassemble his Beretta APX while sitting in a parked car. The handgun, which had a live round chambered, discharged and struck Johnson in the legs, leading to a...

CHARLESTON, WV — Governor Patrick Morrisey signed into law three major bills aimed at strengthening protections for the firearms industry and reinforcing Second Amendment rights in West Virginia. The legislation, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, addresses negligent marketing claims, prohibits discrimination against firearm businesses by financial institutions, and protects firearms rights during declared emergencies.

House Bill 2067, known as the West Virginia Firearms Marketing Clarification Act, limits the ability to bring negligent marketing lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and sellers. Under the new law, claims can only proceed if specific, strict criteria are met, such as direct targeting of prohibited pers...

BISMARCK, ND — On April 23rd, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed House Bill 1588 into law, enacting several significant enhancements to the state’s firearm carry and self-defense laws.

House Bill 1588, sponsored by Representative Ben Koppelman, revises a number of existing statutes concerning concealed carry and possession of firearms at public gatherings. One of the major changes eliminates the obligation for individuals carrying a concealed firearm without a permit to proactively inform law enforcement officers during in-person interactions, such as traffic stops, unless the officer specifically inquires about it.

The new law also reduces the penalty for...

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Arkansas has taken a major step toward expanding protections for gun owners, with lawmakers approving a constitutional amendment that strengthens the right to keep and bear arms across the state. Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR11), led by Sen. Justin Payton and Rep. Wade Duffield, has passed both legislative chambers and was officially approved by the Governor on April 22, 2025.

The next step? Voters will decide its fate in the upcoming November 2026 general election.

What SJR11 Actually Does

SJR11 is a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that aims to make the state’s gun right...

HELENA, MT — Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has issued a bold invitation to firearms manufacturers in Colorado following the passage of a sweeping new gun control law. In a video posted to social media platform X, Gianforte extended a public call for gun makers to relocate to Montana, criticizing Colorado’s latest firearm restrictions as out of step with American values.

“Do you want to move back to America?” Gianforte asked, referring to Colorado’s newly enacted law banning the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic firearms—a move he called “one of the most restrictive gun bans ever adopted in the...

LOS ANGELES, CA — As of April 23, 2025, California has officially opened its concealed carry permit application process to nonresidents. This change follows legal action brought by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) in CRPA v. LASD, which successfully challenged the state’s longstanding refusal to allow nonresidents to apply for a California concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit.

The ruling does not establish reciprocity—California still does not recognize permits issued by other states—but it does mandate that nonresidents must be given the opportunity to apply for a California CCW permit under specific guidelines.

Several counties have already...

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially signed House File 924 into law, lowering the minimum age to acquire or carry a weapon in the state from 21 to 18. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, represents a significant expansion of firearm rights for young adults in Iowa.

HF 924 originated as House Study Bill 262 and moved quickly through the legislative process. It was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025, received subcommittee approval on March 4, passed the full committee with a 17-4 vote on March 6, and was approved by the full House in a 60-34 vote on...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A controversial federal gun charge has been dropped against Taylor Taranto, a man accused of illegally possessing a braced pistol that the government claimed was a short-barreled rifle (SBR). The move by President Trump’s Department of Justice marks a key moment in the ongoing fight over how braced firearms are classified under federal law.

According to court documents, Taranto was originally charged with possessing an unregistered SBR after he was found with a CZ Scorpion pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace. The charge was based on the claim that the brace made the firea...

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A bill aimed at expanding concealed carry rights to more young adults has cleared the Missouri House and is now under consideration in the Senate. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 328 (HCS HB 328), sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-48), would lower the minimum age to apply for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 years old.

The legislation passed the House on April 10, 2025, by a vote of 106-45 and was first read in the Senate on April 14. If enacted, the bill would take effect on August 28, 2025.

What the Bill Does

Missouri alr...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to strip the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of its stockpile of firearms and ammunition, returning federal law enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The measure, introduced by Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), is titled the “Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act.”

The bill—filed as H.R. 4436—would prohibit the IRS from purchasing, receiving, or storing any firearms or ammunition. It also mandates that all firearms and ammunition currently under the IRS’s control be transferred to the General Services Administratio...