Concealed Carry Laws: Updates for 2024

The landscape of concealed carry laws is complex and ever-changing, making it crucial for responsible gun owners to stay informed. Whether you’re in a state that’s expanding gun rights or one that’s implementing restrictions, understanding these changes is critical to exercising your Second Amendment rights responsibly.

New States with Permitless Concealed Carry

As of 2024, 29 U.S. states adopted permitless concealed carry (aka “constitutional carry”). 

The most recent states to pass laws in 2024 granting their residents the right to carry weapons without a permit are:

• South Carolina
• Louisiana (effective July 4, 2024)

They join Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming​.

However, it’s important to note that even in states with permitless carry laws, certain restrictions apply. 

For instance, individuals prohibited from possessing guns under state or federal law (such as those with a previous felony or domestic violence conviction) are still barred from carrying a firearm. 

Concealed Carry Law Changes in High Touch States

California

The most significant change to California’s concealed carry permit laws is a revision requiring a background check to ensure you don’t fall under any disqualifying categories before issuing a permit.

The remaining steps for acquiring a permit stay the same: completing a firearms training course and demonstrating a clear understanding of firearm safety and the law regarding the use of force. 

The specific requirements vary by county, so contacting your local issuing authority for detailed information on the process, fees, and required documents is important. Check out the California Department of Justice or your local sheriff’s office for more information.

Additionally, a new law effective in 2024 restricts carrying firearms in 26 public spaces (even for those with concealed carry permits). Prohibited locations include amusement parks, museums, churches, zoos, banks, and public parks. 

This law faces legal challenges, but an appeals court has allowed it to proceed temporarily.

New York

Though New York didn’t pass any specific laws in 2024, they updated their concealed carry permit requirements at the end of 2022, impacting concealed carriers in 2023 and beyond.

The new laws introduced strengthened background checks, mandatory firearm safety, and live-fire training for permit applicants. Additionally, they prohibit firearms in sensitive locations like Times Square, schools, and hospitals.

The biggest change came with a requirement to renew your permit every 3 years, replacing the previous 5-year period. 

MOST concealed carry permit holders were required to renew their recertification by August 31, 2023. However, if you received your permit in June 2022 or more recently, you must recertify by June 2025.

Understanding Your State’s Laws

Understanding your state’s specific laws is important for concealed carry. Laws can vary significantly from state to state, making it essential for responsible gun owners to be familiar with their state’s regulations.

One of the key distinctions in state laws revolves around issuing concealed carry permits. These policies generally fall into three categories: “may issue, ” “shall issue,” and or “constitutional carry.”

What’s the difference between shall issue, may issue, and constitutional carry states?

• May issue states (such as California) grant authorities significant discretion in issuing concealed carry permits. In these states, you must demonstrate a valid reason or “good cause” to carry a concealed weapon, and the final decision lies with the local sheriff’s department or police.
• Shall issue states (like Colorado) must issue a permit once an applicant meets all requirements, such as passing a background check and completing a firearms safety course. The authorities in these states have little to no discretion in denying a permit.
• Constitutional carry states (like Louisiana and South Carolina) do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm at all. However, even in these states, some restrictions may apply, and certain areas may be off-limits to firearms.

Understanding these policies is just the beginning. Each state has rules regarding where you can carry, what types of firearms are permitted, and how you must interact with law enforcement while carrying. 

Additionally, each state has it’s own laws around whether it recognizes your home state’s concealed carry permit or constitutional carry laws. While permitless carry laws allow you to carry a firearm without a permit in your home state, having a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit can offer enhanced reciprocity and legal protection. 

This means that if you travel to another state that recognizes your home state’s CCW permit, you can legally carry your firearm there. You may be restricted to carrying only within your home state without a CCW permit.  However, you must comply with the laws of the state you visit.

It’s essential to research and understand the specific laws and agreements between states regarding concealed carry to ensure legal compliance.

Other Recent Gun Law Changes in 2024

Colorado

In 2024, Colorado implemented four major gun law reforms: expanding the state’s red flag law, raising the minimum age for purchasing guns to 21, instituting a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases, and making it easier to sue the gun industry.

Illinois

Illinois implemented the Protect Illinois Communities Act in 2024. It’s an assault weapons ban that also addresses the sale, distribution, and registration of specific firearms and standard-capacity magazines. This legislation includes measures for universal background checks and restricts private sales of firearms.

Michigan

Michigan enacted several new gun laws for 2024, including universal background checks for all firearm sales (including private transactions). The laws also introduced safe firearm storage requirements to prevent access by minors and red flag laws, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.

Minnesota

In 2024, Minnesota implemented new gun laws, including expanded background checks for firearm purchases and transfers. They also introduced a red flag law allowing for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. 

Washington

Washington state enacted a ban on so-called assault weapons in 2024. This law prohibits selling, manufacturing, and distributing certain firearms defined by specific features or names. It also covers semiautomatic rifles with specific characteristics.

The Key to Responsible Concealed Carry in 2024

Whether facing new restrictions or exploring expanded freedoms, the responsibility to understand these laws cannot be overstated. 

With a commitment to ongoing education and training, gun owners can ensure they navigate these changes responsibly, upholding the principles of safe and lawful firearm ownership in an ever-evolving legal environment.