Constitutional Carry Gaining Steam

by
posted on April 16, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
More Than Half Of U

On July 1, residents with a clean criminal history of legal age in Florida will be able to carry concealed without a permit. When the law goes into effect, the state will be the 26th that recognizes the right.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure on April 3. “You don’t need a permission slip from the government to be able to exercise your constitutional rights,” he told reporters the day the measure was approved by the state senate and headed to his desk for signature.

“This is a momentous step in the Constitutional Carry movement as now the majority of American states recognize the Constitution protects the right for law-abiding Americans to defend themselves outside their homes without fees or permits,” said Randy Kozuch, interim executive director of NRA-ILA. “The carry movement began decades ago, and the NRA has been working to get this legislation passed throughout America. Therefore, today is indeed a day to celebrate.”

Georgia joined the constitutional carry roll last year on April 12, making it No. 25 on the list. Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp stated at the signing that the measure, “… makes sure that law abiding Georgians—including our daughters and your family, too—can protect themselves without having to ask permission from state government … . The Constitution of the United States gives us that right—not the government.”

South Carolina’s legislature is currently debating two Constitutional Carry measures. The trend could slow when it meets the remaining liberal strongholds along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, where legislators continue to turn a deaf ear to constituents enduring rising crime rates.

Despite the looming opposition, there’s no shortage of other measures under consideration that would ensure or enhance a law-abiding citizen’s right to self-defense. Kansas is already a member of the Constitutional Carry roles, but on April 5 its legislature approved a measure to reduce the cost of a concealed carry permit. Residents who hold one can lawfully carry when traveling to states with reciprocity agreements. It is currently on the governor’s desk awaiting signature.

North Carolina residents, as of late last month, are no longer required to procure a permit from their county’s sheriff to purchase a handgun. A number of pro-gun measures are also working their way through Oklahoma’s legislature.

That states that recognize Constitutional Carry include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming and soon Florida.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.