Weekly Spotlight 4/8/23 – 4/13/23
The United States is Now a Majority-Constitutional Carry Nation
For decades, Second Amendment advocates from every corner of America, grassroots organizations, and political action committees like the USCCA-FSL have been advocating for solutions that make it easier for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Not too long ago, it was unheard of for states to affirm the constitutional right to carry a concealed firearm without needing government approval. And now? The majority of states have passed laws to make this a reality.
This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 543, legislation which removes the requirement for law-abiding citizens to obtain a government permit to carry a concealed handgun. With the stroke of a pen, Florida became the 26th state to implement constitutional carry, making the United States a majority-constitutional carry nation!
Simply put, law-abiding gun owners should not have to ask the government’s permission, or face additional fees or red tape, in order to exercise a constitutional right.
When it comes to keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, opponents of constitutional carry make the argument ad nauseum that it will make it easier for criminals to get a gun. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the 26 states with permitless carry, all gun purchases from federally licensed dealers are already subject to federal background checks. Furthermore, offenders who use firearms during a crime obtain them illegally 90 percent of the time according to the Bureau of Justice. The bottom line? Criminals by definition don’t follow the law.
In short, there have been a range of misleading attacks against constitutional carry, but with 26 states now implementing it, it’s clear that momentum is on the side of those who respect the right to self-defense.
At the USCCA-FSL, we believe a responsible and well-trained gun owner is the best defense against violent threats and criminals. We need more laws that support responsibly armed Americans and their right to protect, instead of more anti-gun laws that ultimately only empower criminals.
Want to learn more about the policies we’re monitoring? Visit our advocacy page.
OTHER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Legislation that would remove a fee associated with applying for a concealed carry license in Kansas could be approved soon. Members of the Kansas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2412 at a vote of 90-34 Wednesday morning. The bill now moves to the Senate for approval. If signed into law, this bill would amend the Personal and Family Protection Act to get rid of fees paid by those who have applied for a concealed carry license (CCL) or who are seeking renewal of the license. No fees would be required from applicants except to cover the cost of taking fingerprints, according to a supplemental note on HB 2412.
- The Tenth Amendment Center: Montana Committee Passes Bill to Amend State Constitution on Concealed Carry
On Wednesday, a Montana bill placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to remove a clause restricting concealed carry cleared a key House committee. The amendment would limit the state’s power to regulate the concealed carrying of firearms and also foster an environment hostile to federal gun control. Rep. Casey Knudsen (R) introduced House Bill 551 (HB551) on Feb. 14. The bill concerns Article II, Section 12 of the state constitution, which reads: “Right to bear arms. The right of any person to keep or bear arms in defense of his own home, person, and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but nothing herein contained shall be held to permit the carrying of concealed weapons.”
- The Truth About Guns: Biden District Court Judge Strikes Down Minnesota Ban on Concealed Carry for Adults Under 21
Chalk up another win for Bruen. From a ruling just handed down in Worth v. Harrington by US District Court Judge Katherine Menendez . . . “In sum, the Commissioner’s reliance on statutes passed in the second half of the 19th century does not support his burden to show the age requirement in Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subd. 2(b)(2), is consistent with the nation’s history and tradition of firearm regulations as required by Bruen. The Court declares that Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subd. 2(b)(2)’s requirement that a person must be at least 21 years of age to receive a permit to publicly carry a handgun in Minnesota violates the rights of individuals 18–20 years old to keep and bear arms protected by the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”
A Chicago auto parts store manager shot and killed a would-be robber Saturday after the suspect flashed a gun, according to police. A man between 30 and 40 years old reportedly entered an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Calumet Heights, took out a firearm and demanded money from the register, police said. The store manager, whose name has not yet been disclosed, pulled out his own firearm and fired shots at the robber. Police said the manager is a valid FOID cardholder. The would-be robber was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries, police said.