Firearm Laws & Litigation Articles - USA Carry

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Arkansas has taken a major step toward expanding protections for gun owners, with lawmakers approving a constitutional amendment that strengthens the right to keep and bear arms across the state. Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR11), led by Sen. Justin Payton and Rep. Wade Duffield, has passed both legislative chambers and was officially approved by the Governor on April 22, 2025.

The next step? Voters will decide its fate in the upcoming November 2026 general election.

SJR11 is a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that aims to make the state’s gun rights language more clear, specific, and robust. While Arkansas already recognizes the right to bear arms, this amendment expands that protection by:

If adopted by the public, this language would be written directly into Article 2, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution, becoming law effective January 1, 2027.

This amendment doesn’t create a new right—it reinforces and strengthens existing Second Amendment protections by making them harder to regulate or reinterpret at the state level. By clearly defining what’s protected—including ammo and accessories—it helps prevent future legislation from attempting to ban or restrict common tools used by law-abiding gun owners.

Additionally, by defining these rights as “fundamental” and “individual,” the amendment could potentially elevate the level of judicial scrutiny applied to any gun control measures challenged in court.

The amendment now heads to the Arkansas ballot in November 2026, where voters will have the final say. If a majority of voters approve it, the amendment becomes part of the state constitution. Public education efforts and campaigning—both in support and opposition—are expected to ramp up as the election nears.

For now, Arkansas gun owners can view this as a significant win, with overwhelming legislative support (including dozens of co-sponsors across both chambers) and a clear path forward to enshrining more explicit Second Amendment protections in the state’s highest legal document.

This move highlights a growing trend in states seeking to proactively reinforce firearm rights at the state level, ensuring that courts and future lawmakers cannot easily dilute what many view as a core individual liberty.

Read the original story: Arkansas Moves to Bolster Gun Rights with New Constitutional Amendment—Here’s What It Means for You

HELENA, MT — Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has issued a bold invitation to firearms manufacturers in Colorado following the passage of a sweeping new gun control law. In a video posted to social media platform X, Gianforte extended a public call for gun makers to relocate to Montana, criticizing Colorado’s latest firearm restrictions as out of step with American values.

“Do you want to move back to America?” Gianforte asked, referring to Colorado’s newly enacted law banning the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic firearms—a move he called “one of the most restrictive gun bans ever adopted in the United States.”

The new law, signed last week by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, builds on existing restrictions in the state, including a ban on magazines with capacities over 15 rounds. Colorado is ranked among the top ten states for firearms industry presence, making the legislation particularly impactful for manufacturers operating there.

Gianforte’s pitch to disaffected manufacturers emphasized Montana’s pro-Second Amendment stance. He noted that Montana boasts the highest per capita number of firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the nation—over 150 businesses. The state’s constitutional carry laws and legislation protecting gun industry entities from discrimination further underscore Montana’s commitment to firearms freedoms.

“In Montana, we embrace freedom and the free enterprise system,” Gianforte said. “Come on home to America, right here in Montana.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) echoed Gianforte’s message in a recent press release, stating that Colorado’s legislation has left manufacturers “frustrated,” and lauding Montana’s efforts to welcome the industry.

This development follows the advance of Colorado Senate Bill 25-003, which drew significant attention and criticism from gun rights advocates for targeting semi-automatic rifles commonly used for lawful purposes including home defense, sport shooting, and hunting.

Gianforte’s remarks underline a growing divide between states adopting aggressive gun control policies and those positioning themselves as havens for Second Amendment supporters. For many in the firearms industry, Montana’s pro-business and pro-2A stance may present an increasingly attractive alternative.

A state’s approach to gun legislation doesn’t just affect individual rights—it also influences economic decisions and industry viability. As more manufacturers weigh their options, jurisdictions like Montana stand ready to offer a stable and welcoming environment rooted in constitutional values.

Read the original story: ‘Move Back to America’: Montana Governor Slams Colorado Gun Ban, Woos Firearm Makers to Flee

LOS ANGELES, CA — As of April 23, 2025, California has officially opened its concealed carry permit application process to nonresidents. This change follows legal action brought by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) in CRPA v. LASD, which successfully challenged the state’s longstanding refusal to allow nonresidents to apply for a California concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit.

The ruling does not establish reciprocity—California still does not recognize permits issued by other states—but it does mandate that nonresidents must be given the opportunity to apply for a California CCW permit under specific guidelines.

Several counties have already updated their websites to reflect this change and are actively accepting applications:

Key Requirements for Nonresident Applicants:

Once approved, nonresident CCW permits will be mailed to the applicant’s provided address.

In the five years I’ve lived in Nevada, I haven’t stepped foot in California once. That said, I may be heading there later this year—and since it’s right next door, I figured it’s a good time to apply for a non-resident CCW permit. Not only will it allow me to legally carry if I end up going, but it also gives me a chance to walk you through the process and see how long it actually takes. I’ll be starting the application soon and will post updates along the way on our social media channels, so make sure to follow along to see how it all plays out.

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This is a significant shift in policy and marks a win for Second Amendment advocates who argue that the right to self-defense should not end at state borders. While the process remains more involved than in many other states, applicants no longer need to be California residents—or travel there—to begin the process.

Stay tuned as more jurisdictions update their policies and systems to accommodate nonresident applicants in the coming weeks.

Read the original story: Now Everyone Can Pack in California — Out-of-Staters Finally Allowed to Apply for Concealed Carry Permits

DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially signed House File 924 into law, lowering the minimum age to acquire or carry a weapon in the state from 21 to 18. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, represents a significant expansion of firearm rights for young adults in Iowa.

HF 924 originated as House Study Bill 262 and moved quickly through the legislative process. It was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025, received subcommittee approval on March 4, passed the full committee with a 17-4 vote on March 6, and was approved by the full House in a 60-34 vote on March 13. The Senate passed the bill 32-14 on April 8. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on April 18, 2025.

Previously, Iowa law prohibited individuals under 21 from acquiring permits or possessing pistols and revolvers outside of specific exceptions. HF 924 eliminates that age restriction, aligning the legal threshold for firearm possession and permitting with the age of legal adulthood.

Supporters of the bill argue that 18- to 20-year-olds, who are legally considered adults, should not be denied their right to armed self-defense. Opponents raised concerns over public safety, particularly in relation to handgun access by younger adults.

This legislation is part of a growing national movement to restore Second Amendment rights to Americans aged 18 to 20. So far in 2025, similar legislation has been introduced or passed in states like Florida and Kentucky, and federal efforts have been reintroduced to lower the handgun purchase age. In addition, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently struck down the federal ban on handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the trend.

HF 924 will officially become law on July 1, 2025. At that time, 18- to 20-year-olds in Iowa will be able to apply for carry permits and legally possess handguns under state law, subject to federal regulations and background checks where applicable.

This marks a significant win for Iowa’s gun rights advocates and adds to the momentum behind similar efforts nationwide to recognize the full Second Amendment rights of legal adults under 21.

Read the original story: Signed, Sealed, Armed: Iowa Lowers Carry Age to 18 Starting July 1

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A controversial federal gun charge has been dropped against Taylor Taranto, a man accused of illegally possessing a braced pistol that the government claimed was a short-barreled rifle (SBR). The move by President Trump’s Department of Justice marks a key moment in the ongoing fight over how braced firearms are classified under federal law.

According to court documents, Taranto was originally charged with possessing an unregistered SBR after he was found with a CZ Scorpion pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace. The charge was based on the claim that the brace made the firearm a “rifle” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) — and because it had a barrel shorter than 16 inches and wasn’t registered, it was considered illegal.

However, federal prosecutors have now filed a motion to dismiss that charge “in the interest of justice.” That means Count One of the indictment — the NFA violation — is no longer being pursued.

The key issue here was how the firearm was classified. The DOJ argued that a gun with a brace couldn’t legally be considered a pistol if it was designed or intended to be fired from the shoulder. In other words, they said a gun cannot be both a pistol and a rifle. That interpretation would have made thousands — possibly millions — of brace-equipped pistols illegal overnight.

Second Amendment supporters have strongly pushed back against this kind of classification. The ATF’s shifting stance on braces has caused confusion and concern in the firearms community. For years, stabilizing braces were considered legal when used as intended. But in 2023, the ATF issued a new rule saying many braced pistols were now SBRs, requiring registration under the NFA.

In Taranto’s case, public attention and pressure from gun rights advocates may have played a role in the decision to drop the charge. Firearms commentator Mrgunsngear credited the shift to grassroots activism, thanking those who raised awareness and contacted members of the Trump administration.

Although the federal SBR charge has been dropped, Taranto still faces a separate D.C. local charge for carrying a pistol without a license. That case is ongoing.

This outcome is important for the 2A community. It shows that pushing back on overreach matters — especially when it comes to how federal agencies interpret and enforce firearms laws. Millions of law-abiding Americans own braced pistols, and this case highlights the risk of vague or changing rules turning ordinary gun owners into criminals.

As legal challenges to the ATF’s brace rule continue in the courts, the dismissal in this case is a small but meaningful win for Second Amendment rights and due process.

Read the original story: Trump’s DOJ Drops Charge Claiming Braced Pistol Was an Illegal Short-Barreled Rifle

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A bill aimed at expanding concealed carry rights to more young adults has cleared the Missouri House and is now under consideration in the Senate. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 328 (HCS HB 328), sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor (R-48), would lower the minimum age to apply for a concealed carry permit from 19 to 18 years old.

The legislation passed the House on April 10, 2025, by a vote of 106-45 and was first read in the Senate on April 14. If enacted, the bill would take effect on August 28, 2025.

Missouri already allows permitless concealed carry for individuals 19 and older (or 18 for members of the military or honorably discharged veterans), but this bill would change the official permitting statute to allow any lawful adult 18 years or older to apply for a concealed carry permit — regardless of military status.

The changes are made by amending Section 571.101 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and related provisions, striking language that previously limited eligibility to those 19 and older (with military exceptions). The revised language uniformly sets the age at 18.

This would harmonize the permitting law with the state’s existing constitutional carry allowances and give 18-year-olds access to benefits of the permit, such as reciprocity in states that recognize Missouri permits.

HCS HB 328 was referred to the Senate after passing the House and is awaiting committee assignment and hearing. The next steps in the Senate include:

This legislation is a common-sense expansion of constitutional rights for Missouri adults. At age 18, citizens can vote, serve in the military, and take on full legal responsibility. Extending concealed carry permitting to these adults reinforces the principle that Second Amendment rights begin at adulthood — not some arbitrary higher threshold.

Moreover, by allowing lawful 18-year-olds to obtain permits, Missouri residents gain access to reciprocity in other states that recognize Missouri’s concealed carry permits — something not available under permitless carry alone.

Read the original story: Missouri Bill to Lower Concealed Carry Age to 18 Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to strip the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of its stockpile of firearms and ammunition, returning federal law enforcement responsibilities to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The measure, introduced by Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), is titled the “Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act.”

The bill—filed as H.R. 4436—would prohibit the IRS from purchasing, receiving, or storing any firearms or ammunition. It also mandates that all firearms and ammunition currently under the IRS’s control be transferred to the General Services Administration within 120 days of enactment. The GSA would then be required to auction these assets off, with the proceeds directed toward reducing the national deficit.

Further, the legislation proposes a restructuring of criminal tax enforcement. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division, along with its personnel, responsibilities, and resources, would be transferred to the DOJ, where it would be housed as a distinct entity within the department’s Criminal Division. This change would ensure that tax-related criminal investigations are handled by federal law enforcement agencies traditionally tasked with such duties, rather than an armed tax agency.

Rep. Moore has argued that arming tax agents creates unnecessary militarization of government agencies that should not be in the business of policing citizens. “There is no reason tax collectors should be armed while millions of law-abiding Americans are forced to defend their Second Amendment rights,” Moore stated upon introducing the bill.

The bill reflects growing concern among lawmakers and citizens about the expansion of federal agency law enforcement powers beyond traditional policing entities. With Americans increasingly scrutinizing the size, scope, and armament of non-law-enforcement federal agencies, this legislation addresses a key point of contention.

Supporters of this bill see it as a positive step toward government accountability and a reaffirmation that law enforcement duties belong in the hands of dedicated justice agencies—not tax collectors. It also sends a strong message that the right to keep and bear arms belongs to the people, not bureaucratic agencies.

By disarming the IRS and restoring its core mission to revenue collection rather than law enforcement, this bill helps maintain proper boundaries between agencies and upholds the principle that enforcement should remain with those trained and constitutionally designated to do so.

Read the original story: ‘Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act’ Seeks to Strip Guns and Ammo from Agency

DENVER, CO — In a move drawing sharp criticism from Second Amendment advocates, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has officially signed SB25-003 into law, enacting one of the most aggressive state-level restrictions on semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices in the country. The signing, which occurred behind closed doors and was not listed on the governor’s public calendar, has raised concerns not only about the bill’s content but also the lack of transparency surrounding its enactment.

BREAKING: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs SB25-003 into law, banning the manufacture of and severely restricting the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. #coleg #copolitics @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/kmN56Nt80a

The newly signed law prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, transfer, and purchase of what it defines as “specified semiautomatic firearms.” This includes semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. While certain rimfire firearms and listed older models are exempt, the scope of affected firearms is significant.

The law also classifies rapid-fire devices—accessories or modifications that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm—as “dangerous weapons,” making their possession a criminal offense.

To legally purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm under the limited exceptions, individuals must complete both a certified hunter education program and a state-defined firearms safety course. They must also obtain a firearms course eligibility card issued by a sheriff, which requires a criminal background check. These new hurdles will likely create delays, higher costs, and confusion for law-abiding citizens attempting to remain compliant.

Violations of the new law are punishable as a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and escalate to a class 6 felony upon subsequent violations. Firearms dealers found in violation will have their state permits revoked.

State Senator Lisa Frizell (R-SD2) voiced her opposition on social media, stating, “Behind this locked door & away from the public eye, Governor Polis is signing SB25-003… a flagrant assault on our Second Amendment rights.” She emphasized that the signing was “invite-only” and deliberately excluded from the governor’s public calendar.

Behind this locked door & away from the public eye, @GovofCO is signing SB25-003: Semiautomatic Firearms and Rapid-Fire Devices- a flagrant assault on our Second Amendment rights. Witnessing this radical attack was invite only & it wasn’t listed on the Governor’s public calendar. pic.twitter.com/mceBKlw6UL

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) also condemned the bill, calling it an “unconstitutional law limiting Second Amendment rights” and warning that it will likely be challenged in court. In a public statement, the NSSF accused Colorado lawmakers of using misleading terms and bypassing normal democratic processes.

According to reporting by ConcealedCarry.com, critics argue that the law penalizes responsible firearm owners without effectively addressing crime or violence. The bill’s opponents assert that it unfairly targets semiautomatic firearms that are in common use for self-defense, sport shooting, and lawful hunting.

The law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to implement the firearms training record systems, instructor verification processes, and eligibility card infrastructure. Gun owners and dealers are advised to closely follow rulemaking updates from the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Division of Parks and Wildlife, as both agencies will be responsible for enforcement and interpretation of the new law.

Legal challenges are expected. Given the breadth of SB25-003 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s clear guidance in Bruen regarding firearms in “common use,” many gun rights advocates believe this law will not withstand judicial scrutiny.

Read the original story: Governor Polis Quietly Signs Sweeping Semiautomatic Firearm Ban Into Law Behind Closed Doors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major policy shift, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the creation of a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force at the Department of Justice, signaling a significant realignment of federal priorities regarding gun rights and regulatory enforcement.

Bondi stated that the new task force will focus on reversing what she described as “undue burdens” placed on law-abiding gun owners and vendors by the previous administration. “The Department of Justice’s new 2nd Amendment Task Force will combine department-wide policy and litigation resources to advance President Trump’s pro-gun agenda and protect gun owners from overreach,” Bondi said in a press release issued Wednesday.

This move follows Monday’s joint announcement by the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) repealing the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy, commonly referred to as the “Zero Tolerance Policy.” Introduced in 2021, the policy had implemented stricter compliance measures for Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, often resulting in license revocations for minor infractions.

As part of the task force’s broader mission, DOJ and ATF have also begun a formal review of two controversial rules:

“These steps mark a pivotal turn toward restoring fairness and clarity in firearms regulation,” said Acting ATF Director Kash Patel. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure our policies are balanced, constitutional, and protective of Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

According to the DOJ’s internal memorandum, the newly formed task force will be chaired by the Attorney General and composed of high-level representatives across multiple DOJ divisions and agencies, including the ATF and FBI. The task force is tasked with developing and executing legal and policy strategies to ensure all federal actions are in alignment with the constitutional protections of the Second Amendment.

The initiative is part of the DOJ’s implementation of Executive Order 14206, which directs federal agencies to safeguard Second Amendment rights as a priority. Bondi emphasized that the Second Amendment is not a “second-class right” and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lawful gun ownership across the country.

The review process for the stabilizing brace rule and firearm dealer definition will involve consultations with industry experts, legal scholars, and gun rights organizations. Further updates on the task force’s actions and any potential regulatory changes are expected in the coming months.

The formation of this task force reflects a growing emphasis on defending the rights of responsible gun owners at the federal level. By reevaluating previous rules and removing overreaching enforcement policies, the DOJ is taking steps to ensure that federal firearms laws are applied fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles. Law-abiding citizens should not face regulatory uncertainty or punitive action for exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Bondi’s DOJ Launches 2nd Amendment Task Force to Overhaul Federal Gun Regulations

COLUMBUS, OH — A newly introduced bill in the Ohio House aims to clarify and expand lawful concealed carry provisions while also offering a path to firearm rights restoration for nonresidents with Ohio convictions. House Bill 68, sponsored by Representatives Adam Mathews and Justin Pizzulli, has been referred to the House Public Safety Committee for consideration.

As written, HB 68 proposes two significant reforms to current Ohio firearms law:

These changes are a common-sense modernization of firearm laws. The carry provision balances public safety with individual rights, enabling licensed individuals to carry in secure government buildings that are not active courthouses—only if permitted by local authorities and during times when the court is not in session. It enhances situational awareness for responsibly armed citizens without affecting courtroom integrity.

Furthermore, the relief for nonresidents reflects Ohio’s commitment to due process. Those who have served their sentences, demonstrated law-abiding behavior, and no longer pose a risk should have the opportunity to regain their Second Amendment rights, regardless of where they currently reside. It brings Ohio law in line with fundamental constitutional principles.

This bill represents a thoughtful step forward in preserving the rights of responsible gun owners while respecting institutional boundaries and public safety.

Next, House Bill 68 will undergo review in the Ohio House Public Safety Committee, where lawmakers will hold hearings to discuss its provisions, hear testimony from supporters and opponents, and potentially recommend amendments. If it passes out of committee, the bill will proceed to the full House floor for debate and a vote. Should it receive a majority vote there, it will move on to the Ohio Senate for a similar process—committee review, Senate floor vote, and, if successful, final approval. If both chambers pass the bill in identical form, it will be sent to the governor for signature into law.

Read the original story: Ohio House Bill 68 Would Expand Concealed Carry Access and Restore Firearm Rights for Nonresidents