Devin Jacobs
Owning guns is deeply ingrained in American culture, and the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution. However, gun violence, particularly incidents like school shootings, has sparked intense debate across the nation. Amidst this ongoing discourse, several states have implemented stricter regulations, including restrictions on open carry. Here are 13 states and two US territories that have restrictions on open carry.
California
California has passed some of the nation’s strictest gun control measures, banning open carry and tightening restrictions on purchases, marketing to minors, and public carry. Recent laws, passed between 2021 and 2023, which are aimed at improving safety have also sparked debate over individual rights.
Florida
Possession of firearms has been prohibited in Florida ever since the shooting at Marjory Douglas High School in Parkland. The incident which claimed the lives of 17 people made Florida enforce stronger gun laws. The law sanctions the possession of rifles by people who had been convicted and makes the process of purchasing guns more difficult.
Connecticut
You stand a chance of bagging a three-year jail term for carrying and discharging firearms unlawfully in Connecticut. After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, Connecticut expanded its law prohibiting assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. Connecticut has one of the strongest policies that ban the carrying of guns in public and owning illegal weapons.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s illegal firearm prohibition is not just aimed at individuals; licensed gun traders are also held accountable if their firearms are used to cause harm. While a permit is required to openly carry handguns, Hawaiians are not permitted to carry rifles and shotguns. Hawaii’s strict gun laws are designed to keep gun violence low.
Illinois
The ban on open carrying of firearms and high-capacity magazines in Illinois resulted from the horrific shooting at Highland Park in 2022. In addition to that, the lawmakers in the state also enforced the Firearms Restraining Order and started a program aimed at taking out illegally owned rifles.
Maryland
In Maryland the carrying handguns openly is restricted . Defaulters are charged with misdemeanor and risk three to 10 years imprisonment. Being the first state to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bills of Rights, Maryland has demonstrated a strong stance on gun-related offenses. The state has added additional background checks and safety requirements to further enhance their regulation.
Massachusetts
There are stern consequences for the open carrying of guns without a permit in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell established a gun violence prevention unit in 2023 to crack down on illegal gun possession and use to reduce gun deaths. You risk 2years imprisonment and lofty fines if you are found in possession of firearms in public.
Minnesota
With a gun law strength of 53.5% according to Everytown, Minnesota is not a state you can get away with illegally carrying a firearm. Openly carrying blasters without a permit can land you in serious trouble. You could be charged with a misdemeanor; your charge can heighten to a felony bagging you a five-year prison term.
New York
Residents of New York do not have the right to carry handguns in the state openly. All handguns are required to be micro-stamped. New York takes the lead in innovating policies that restrict the use of gats and hold manufacturers and dealers indulging in dangerous business practices to strict account.
Rhode Island
The Ocean State firearm regulatory policies contribute to its low gun ownership rate. You will need a permit to carry a handgun which is not easy to get. Dwellers of Rhode Island are prohibited from having rifles and shotguns in public except they are not loaded.
Tennessee
Convicts of felonies and hate crimes, domestic abusers, and fugitives of justice are banned from owning and carrying guns anywhere in Tennessee. Other residents are banned from carrying shotguns and rifles unless unloaded. Illegal ownership of guns is considered a Class C misdemeanor and could earn you prison time and a fine of $500.
District of Columbia
The only people allowed to carry “heaters” in the District of Columbia are law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military service members. These groups are only allowed to do so only while on duty. The Enhanced Penalty Provision of DC makes it punishable to openly carry guns within 1000 meters of recreational facilities, public gatherings, and schools.
Washington D.C
The United State’s capital has tough gun laws. They carry out rigorous background checks before issuing a license of ownership. Carrying handguns in public requires a permit, and open carry is prohibited. Strict penalties for illegal possession reinforce the city’s efforts to reduce gun violence and ensure public safety.