Lawmakers across the country are making changes to gun laws and doing away with the permits required to carry concealed weapons. According to USA Today, 12 states are considering laws that would get rid of existing concealed weapon permit requirements. Supporters say such moves will ultimately prevent crime, though opponents believe the opposite to be true.
Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhose Island, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia are among those considering such bills.
Alaska, Arizona, Vermont, and Wyoming already allow residents to carry concealed weapons without permits and supporters say the low crime rates in these states is evidence that such policies work. But these four states aren’t exactly highly populated and one could argue that other states, similar in population and demographics, also have low crime rates and that it has nothing to do with concealed-carry laws.
“Our viewpoint is, a good person will always be a good person,” according to the policy director for the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action Andrew Arulanandam. “They don’t need a license to be a good person.”
In South Dakota, the permitless legislation awaits Governor Dennis Daugaard’s signature after lawmakers passed the bill allowing anyone over the age of 18 with a driver’s license to carry a concealed weapon as long as they didn’t have a criminal background that would prevent it.
Wyoming passed their similar law just last July, but still issues permits to residents who want to carry their weapon out of state.
In arguing for the change, one New Hampshire lawmaker makes an interesting argument that “Gun-free zones kill people,” speaking in reference to the most recent school shooting in Chardon Ohio.
From state to state, laws governing the owning and carrying of firearms vary widely. It seems that they will only grow in variance if these bills pass. Most states require permits for concealed weapons and those permits are not given out freely, but regulated carefully.
In most states, if you are caught concealing a firearm without a permit to carry a concealed weapon, you can face serious criminal charges and potentially years behind bars.
Gun laws are complex and confusing even for the educated gun owner. This is especially true when traveling or moving from state to state. Understanding your responsibilities as a gun owner can be difficult with the sheer number of laws and regulations.
When you are caught in violation of these laws, you face serious potential repercussions. A criminal defense attorney can help. Let us put you in touch with a local lawyer today. Call us now.
About David Matson