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Gun Laws by State

The landscape of gun laws across the United States is as diverse as the states themselves. We’ll present a comprehensive overview of firearm regulations in ten key states, highlighting those with the strictest and most lenient policies. We'll also examine the evolving legislation, exploring how new laws will impact gun owners. For instance, states like Washington and Oregon are renowned for their strict measures, including bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. On the other hand, states such as Arkansas and Idaho prioritize individual freedoms with more lenient regulations, allowing open carry without the need for permits.

As we close out this presidency and enter another, changes are coming quickly, with some states moving towards stricter controls and others fine-tuning their existing frameworks. These developments affect the legal landscape and shape the future experience of gun ownership. We aim to provide you with a clear understanding of how these laws influence both the rights and responsibilities of gun owners by state, offering insights into what the future may hold for nationwide firearm legislation. The states are ranked on how strong their gun laws are, with a score of 1 to 50 (1 being strongest and 50 being weakest), and this information comes from Everytown.

California

California
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #1
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: 111 regulations, including bans on semi-automatic rifles and stringent background checks

California has the strongest gun laws in the country, and they continue to sign new legislation to enhance these laws further. New legislation in 2024 is focused on stronger safe storage requirements and measures to prevent gun-related hate crimes and domestic violence.

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Colorado

Colorado
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #11
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Universal background checks; bans on large-capacity magazines

Colorado recently placed a ban on “ghost guns,” firearms that are 3D-printed or assembled from kits. Owners of these firearms without serial numbers can still register them before the end of 2024. The state also introduced new firearm storage requirements in vehicles.

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Illinois

Illinois
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #3
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Mandatory background checks; ban on assault weapons

In 2024, Illinois plans to introduce new measures to hold the firearms industry accountable and enhance gun safety. These upcoming changes will focus on further reducing gun violence and protecting communities from firearm-related threats.

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Michigan

Michigan
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #20
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Universal background checks; secure storage requirements

A new bill has gone into effect in 2024 in Michigan, introducing new red flag laws and expanding restrictions on firearm possession for individuals with domestic violence convictions. The state’s laws focus on keeping guns out of the wrong hands.

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Minnesota

Minnesota
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #14
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Mandatory background checks for all gun sales; Extreme Risk law

In 2024, Minnesota introduced Extreme Risk Protection Orders (also known as Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders), which allow courts to temporarily remove guns from the possession of people determined to be a threat to themselves or others.

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Washington

Washington
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #9
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines

Washington now requires a background check, a 10-day waiting period, and a safety training program for all firearm purchases. New legislation is also attempting to ban open carry in public libraries, zoos, aquariums, and bus stops.

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Oregon

Oregon
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #10
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on new laws to prevent gun violence
  • Regulations: Requires permits for firearm purchases; bans on high-capacity magazines

In 2024, Oregon will implement stricter regulations on ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms, aiming to close loopholes in gun control laws. These changes focus on reducing the availability of untraceable weapons and ensuring comprehensive firearm regulation.

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Arkansas

Arkansas
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #50
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on individual freedoms and limiting gun regulations
  • Regulations: Allows permit less carry for individuals over 18; no background check requirements for private sales

Arkansas has the most relaxed gun laws in the country. In 2024, the state will see clarifications in concealed carry licenses, simplifying laws for travelers. Additionally, self-defense laws will be further defined to support residents exercising their rights to defend themselves.

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Wyoming

Wyoming
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #44
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on individual freedoms and limiting gun regulations
  • Regulations: Residents and non-residents allowed to carry firearms without a permit; no restrictions on assault weapons or high-capacity magazines

In 2024, Wyoming is looking to simplify processes for concealed carry permit holders, maintaining the state’s strong stance on Second Amendment rights. Many colleges, including the University of Wyoming, are also planning to loosen their campuswide firearms ban.

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Idaho

Idaho
  • Strength of Gun Laws Rating: #48
  • Gun Law Status: Focusing on individual freedoms and limiting gun regulations
  • Regulations: Allows permit less carry for residents 18 years or older and non-residents 21 years or older; no restrictions on assault weapons or high-capacity magazines

Idaho is another state that is working to simplify the process for concealed carry permit holders. Laws regarding permits for a person from one state to legally carry concealed in another state are subject to change.

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