Require Permits to Carry Concealed Guns in Public
Require Permits to Carry Concealed Guns in Public
What is the problem?
It is legal to carry a concealed handgun in public in all 50 states. A substantial majority of states require a person to have a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public. States should not allow the carry of concealed guns in public without one.
Although standards and processes vary, permits ensure that certain core public safety standards are maintained, such as requiring that a person has passed a background check and completed firearm safety training before carrying a concealed gun in public. Many states also authorize permit issuers to deny permits to people who pose a danger to the public. These laws promote responsible gun ownership and ensure fundamental public safety standards are preserved when people carry concealed guns in public places.
For over a century, states have recognized the public safety benefits of requiring a permit to carry concealed guns. Yet over the last decade, the gun lobby has been pushing legislation to allow people to carry concealed guns in public places without a permit, background check, or safety training, dismantling the system of responsible gun ownership. Some states have passed laws loosening their permitting standards, and a handful of states have completely eliminated their concealed carry permit requirement. Permitless carry laws lower the bar for who may carry hidden handguns in public and allow untrained and unvetted people to carry concealed guns in parks, shopping malls, crowded town centers, and other public places.
Myth & Fact
Myth
Requiring a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public violates the U.S. Constitution.
Fact
No federal court has held that requiring a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public violates the U.S. Constitution. In fact, the Supreme Court has noted that permits are not prohibited by the Second Amendment.
All Resources
Require Permits to Carry Concealed Guns in Public
All Resources
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