Interested in New Gun Laws?
Gun law changes are sweeping the country, and it can be difficult to stay on top of all the new rules. With 88 new gun safety laws enacted in 28 states just in 2024, it’s getting harder every day to know what is legal and what isn’t.
Here’s the issue:
The new laws are all over the place.
States have been enacting both loosening and tightening restrictions all over the map. This patchwork quilt of legislation is confusing for owners, legal professionals, and law enforcement.
Let’s dive into exactly what is changing with gun laws across the country.
In this article, we will cover:
- The State of Gun Legislation in America
- Major Changes to Gun Laws
- The Impact on Gun Owners
- Legal Professional Commentary
The Gun Law Revolution We’re In The Middle Of
Before we go further, just let me give you an idea of how ridiculous this all has become…
We are in the middle of the most prolific time of gun law legislation in US history. To date, over 700 new gun safety laws have been enacted in the US since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. That averages to more than 50 new laws every year.
But that’s not the crazy part…
Not all states are headed in the same direction.
On the one hand, states like California, Colorado, and New York are making it much harder to buy, sell, and own firearms. On the other hand, states like South Carolina, Louisiana, and Kentucky have just made it easier than ever.
States dealing with Colorado gun laws have recently made some of the most comprehensive legislative updates in recent years. This includes new background checks for all sales and red flag legislation to allow the temporary confiscation of firearms from dangerous individuals.
This means that an action completely legal in one state could lead to your arrest and imprisonment for the same conduct just a few miles away.
Let’s Talk Numbers
The stats behind these new laws may not be all that shocking to many…
Over 40,000 Americans die from gun violence every year. This means that about 132 people dying from firearm-related injuries in the US every day.
More telling is that 58% of US adults now support stricter gun laws overall. This is a clear shift in public opinion that lawmakers have been feeling for some time.
What’s also interesting, though, is what the stats say about enforcing these new laws. States with the strictest laws tend to have the lowest firearm injury and death rates. Simple science — when you make it harder for dangerous individuals to get their hands on a gun, less people get shot.
So, What’s Actually Changing, Then?
The changes we are talking about aren’t just adding or removing a single restriction here or there. They are some of the most sweeping changes to the buying, selling, and storing of firearms we’ve ever seen.
Here are some of the most significant changes coming to gun laws across the country.
The most noteworthy changes include:
- Expansion of Background Checks
- Implementation of Red Flag Laws
- Mandatory Safe Storage Laws
- Waiting Period Requirements
The Other Side Of The Coin
Wait a second…
Some states are not following this trend at all.
In fact, some are doing the complete opposite of what we just talked about. South Carolina and Louisiana both recently passed “permitless carry” laws which make it legal to carry a concealed firearm with no permit whatsoever.
Kentucky and New Hampshire have actually increased gun owner privacy by making it more difficult for law enforcement to track purchases and ownership.
The end result is that the rules can change dramatically for gun owners just by crossing a state line.
Legal Challenges Are Coming
Here’s another thing most people don’t know…
Nearly every single one of these new gun laws will end up in court.
The Supreme Court’s recent rulings have expanded Second Amendment rights which make it much harder for new gun laws to pass legal challenges. The court is now requiring any new restrictions to have clear historical precedent from the 1700s and 1800s, which is a very high bar to meet.
This means that even laws that pass with public support and legal challenges to block them are likely to ultimately end up being struck down by a judge on constitutional grounds.
The Real Impact On Gun Owners
What all these changes mean in practice depends a lot on where you live and what you want to do with firearms.
As a gun owner, this means you should do the following:
- Track the laws in the states where you own, purchase, or travel with firearms
- Realize that legal advice from five years ago is almost certainly out of date
- Be aware of the potential impact of proposed federal legislation which could trump state laws
- Prepare for more future changes as legal challenges continue to overturn or uphold various restrictions
Legal Expert Predictions
The opinions among legal professionals are mixed on what all this activity means for the future.
Some think we are rapidly headed toward a national standard either by way of federal legislation or a Supreme Court decision. Others feel the state-by-state approach is just going to get more and more complicated as time goes on.
What no one disputes, though, is that the current system is broken. Having 50+ different sets of gun laws in one country is a logistical and enforcement nightmare that is pitting states against each other and putting law-abiding citizens at risk of accidental violations of laws they didn’t know existed.
Enforcement Is An Issue
Here’s one that might surprise you…
Not all of these new laws are actually being enforced.
In some cases, local law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources or training to know how to implement new and complex gun regulations. We have even seen some sheriffs in rural areas announce they will not be enforcing certain state gun laws they disagree with.
The result of this means another level of uncertainty that the law on the books may not be the law in practice.
What’s Coming In The Next Few Years
There are some key developments to watch for in the next few years that will go a long way toward shaping the future of gun law in the US.
Legal challenges will continue to be filed against many of these recent changes and some are likely to get up to the Supreme Court.
Lastly, increasing public pressure is leading to more discussion at the federal level which may result in significant legislation that overrides state laws. It’s very possible to see several of the above changes quickly reversed in the near future.
The key for anyone impacted by these laws is to stay on top of the situation, consult with legal professionals who are experts in firearm legislation, and not to assume what was legal last year will still be legal next year.
A Quick Summary
Navigating new gun laws isn’t just about avoiding getting arrested. It’s about understanding a rapidly shifting legal landscape that is impacting millions of Americans.
The patchwork of state laws, on-going legal challenges, and confusing enforcement creates an environment that will require constant vigilance. Whether you are a gun owner, legal professional, or simply trying to understand this complex debate, being informed on the above changes is critical.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.