Firearm Laws & Litigation Articles - USA Carry

PIERRE, SD — South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden is calling on federal authorities to revise a longstanding regulation that imposes a mandatory seven-day waiting period before shipping firearms and related accessories across state lines, including suppressors. In a letter sent on March 24, 2025, to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting ATF Director Kash Patel, Gov. Rhoden asked for action in light of President Donald J. Trump’s recent Executive Order aimed at safeguarding Second Amendment rights.

The rule in question, 27 CFR § 478.96, requires that licensed dealers notify local law enforcement and observe a seven-day waiting period before shipping firearms or accessories such as suppressors to out-of-state buyers. Rhoden argued that this regulation is outdated and unnecessarily burdensome, especially for South Dakota-based Silencer Central, the nation’s largest suppressor manufacturer and distributor.

“This rule hampers their ability to do business,” the governor wrote, noting that while wait times for ATF Form 4 approvals have improved, the seven-day requirement continues to slow lawful sales. Rhoden pointed out that the original law predates the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which now mandates federal background checks for all firearm purchases—including suppressors.

According to the governor, because modern buyers must pass these background checks, the added waiting period serves no safety function and only delays lawful transactions.

“A slight modification to 27 CFR § 478.96 would represent a significant victory for the Second Amendment community across the nation without impacting any safety regulations,” Rhoden wrote.

Rhoden’s appeal aligns with President Trump’s February 7, 2025 Executive Order titled Protecting Second Amendment Rights, which directs federal agencies to review all current policies for potential infringements on constitutional gun rights.

This push for regulatory reform is part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucratic delays and modernize federal firearms laws in alignment with current technology and enforcement practices.

Suppressors, which are regulated under the National Firearms Act, remain legal to own in most states and are commonly used to reduce noise and recoil. Lawful suppressor purchasers already undergo rigorous background checks and registration processes.

Efforts like Gov. Rhoden’s underline a continued commitment from pro-Second Amendment leaders to ensure that lawful gun owners and businesses are not burdened by outdated or redundant federal rules.

Read the original story: South Dakota Governor Urges ATF to Remove Obsolete Suppressor Shipping Rule

PIERRE, SD — Governor Larry Rhoden signed three pro-Second Amendment bills into law during a ceremony at Boyd’s Gunstock in Mitchell as part of his “Open for Opportunity” tour. The signing reflects the state’s continued efforts to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how free we are – especially when it comes to the freedom to keep and bear arms,” Governor Rhoden stated. “We have taken greater actions to defend our Second Amendment rights than any other state.”

The newly signed legislation includes:

This bill limits the ability of public higher education institutions in South Dakota to restrict the lawful carrying, possession, storage, or transportation of concealed pistols, stun guns, and chemical irritants by individuals with proper permits. Exceptions apply in sensitive areas such as labs with hazardous materials, high-security facilities, or during special events with active security and screening.

HB 1218 ensures that counties, municipalities, and townships cannot prohibit their employees, officers, or volunteers from lawfully carrying concealed firearms and compatible ammunition on government property or in government vehicles. Exceptions exist for secured detention facilities, crisis centers, and transportation situations involving detainees. The bill also protects these government entities from liability stemming from lawful concealed carry.

This bill amends current state law to broaden the situations in which a concealed carry permit holder can lawfully possess a pistol on or around public school grounds. Individuals with permits may now keep firearms in their vehicles or retrieve them from vehicles while on school property, expanding on previous limitations. Enhanced permit holders may also carry with school authorization.

With these additions, Governor Rhoden has signed a total of 157 bills during the current legislative session and vetoed one.

These laws reflect South Dakota’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while providing commonsense boundaries for safety. Each bill carefully balances individual liberty with public security, reinforcing the principle that responsible firearm ownership is not incompatible with institutional safety.

As more states navigate the evolving landscape of Second Amendment rights, South Dakota’s legislation stands as a model for protecting those rights without compromising lawful governance or public safety. Responsible gun owners benefit from clear legal guidance and reduced arbitrary restrictions—core tenets of any sound firearm policy.

Read the original story: South Dakota Governor Signs Trio of Pro-Second Amendment Bills into Law

ANNISTON, AL — The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has officially resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911 pistols, following an eight-month suspension during the Biden-Harris administration. The revival of the program came swiftly under President Donald Trump’s second term, with CMP reopening its order processing in late January 2025.

CMP CEO Jerry O’Keefe shared a detailed update on February 26 outlining the current status of the program, order processing timelines, and inventory availability. The renewed effort marks a significant policy shift and reinforces the administration’s support for responsible civilian firearm ownership.

CMP is currently processing the remaining 1,300–1,400 orders from the fourth round of M1911 sales, working at a pace of approximately 1,000 pistols per month. All Round Four orders are expected to be fulfilled by mid-April 2025. Orders are being processed in randomized number sequence, with only minor variances due to batch handling.

Going forward, the CMP has transitioned away from the previous “round” system. All new orders received in 2025 will be processed strictly in the order they are received. Fulfillment of these new orders is expected to begin in late April. A newly launched CMP M1911 Order Status webpage offers weekly updates and estimated fulfillment windows based on application dates.

The current lifetime purchase limit of two pistols per person remains in effect, as established by a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Army. However, CMP leadership is actively working to increase this limit to four, potentially by summer 2025. First-time buyers may now purchase both pistols in a single order.

In addition, CMP is planning to release rare or collectible M1911 models, including matched serial number M1 Garand and M1911 sets, through its auction platform later this year.

Despite being a finite and historic resource, CMP reports a healthy inventory of surplus M1911 pistols, with supply likely sufficient through 2026. An additional shipment from the U.S. Army is anticipated in the coming weeks, further supporting the program’s future.

Originally authorized under the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, the CMP M1911 program was designed to transfer up to 10,000 surplus pistols per year from the U.S. Army to the public. While the Trump administration first launched the program in 2018, it was paused in April 2024 amid an audit and policy shift under the previous administration.

On January 29, 2025, the CMP announced the return of M1911 sales, crediting the Trump administration’s commitment to Second Amendment rights and historical preservation. The program’s resumption was accompanied by improvements, including a simplified ordering system and free shipping.

This move has been widely welcomed by gun owners and collectors, not only for the opportunity to own a piece of U.S. military history but also as a reaffirmation of the role civilian marksmanship plays in national heritage and firearm safety.

For details on eligibility and ordering, visit https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/1911-information.

Read the original story: Trump Administration Restores CMP M1911 Sales Program After Pause During Biden-Harris Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 21 other Senate Democrats have introduced the “Keep Americans Safe Act,” a sweeping gun control bill that aims to ban standard-capacity magazines holding more than ten rounds. If enacted, this legislation would prohibit the sale, transfer, possession, importation, or manufacturing of these magazines nationwide, threatening the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the country.

The proposed legislation revives elements of the now-defunct 1994 federal assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. Proponents, including Kaine, claim that restricting magazine capacity will reduce mass shooting fatalities, citing statistics from the Clinton-era ban. However, independent studies, including a 2004 report from the Department of Justice, found no conclusive evidence that the ban had any meaningful impact on crime rates or public safety.

The bill includes provisions allowing law enforcement agencies to confiscate and destroy newly prohibited magazines while authorizing buyback programs. It also imposes strict serial number and manufacturing date requirements on any future production of magazines.

The “Keep Americans Safe Act” is a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment, stripping citizens of their ability to own commonly used and constitutionally protected firearm accessories. Standard-capacity magazines, which often exceed ten rounds, are widely used by millions of responsible gun owners for self-defense, sporting, and recreational shooting.

The bill arbitrarily defines “large capacity” as anything over ten rounds, ignoring the reality that many handguns and rifles are designed to function with magazines holding 15 to 30 rounds. Criminals, by definition, do not obey laws, meaning this ban would only hinder law-abiding citizens from effectively defending themselves while having little to no effect on crime.

Banning standard-capacity magazines is not just unconstitutional but also ineffective. States that have implemented similar bans, such as California and New York, have seen no significant reduction in violent crime. Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision reaffirmed that gun control measures must align with historical precedent, casting serious doubt on the constitutionality of such a sweeping restriction.

Instead of targeting law-abiding gun owners, lawmakers should focus on enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health concerns, and prosecuting violent criminals. Restricting magazine capacity does nothing to deter crime but does everything to erode the rights of responsible citizens.

This legislation is likely to face strong opposition from Second Amendment advocates, Republican lawmakers, and gun rights organizations. Gun owners and supporters of the Constitution must remain vigilant and actively oppose this and any future attempts to erode their rights.

With increasing attacks on the Second Amendment from anti-gun politicians, now is the time for Americans to stand firm and ensure their freedoms are not further eroded by ineffective and unconstitutional laws.

Read the original story: Democrats Push Magazine Capacity Limits Under Misleading ‘Keep Americans Safe Act’

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Several firearm-related bills are advancing in the Florida Legislature, reflecting continued efforts to adjust gun laws in the state. Three key bills—one lowering the firearm purchase age, another allowing off-duty law enforcement officers to carry weapons at certain events, and a third removing firearm restrictions during emergencies—have successfully passed committee votes and are now heading to the Florida House floor.

House Bill 759 (HB 759) seeks to lower the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Florida from 21 to 18. If passed, it would allow 18-year-olds to buy long guns from licensed dealers and handguns from private sellers. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman (R), passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 16-6 vote and is now scheduled for a full House vote.

The Senate companion bill, SB 920, sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins (R), has three committee stops remaining before it can proceed to the Senate floor for a vote.

For this measure to become law, either HB 759 or SB 920 must pass both the House and Senate in identical form before being sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval.

House Bill 1021 (HB 1021) would allow off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons into schools, colleges, and professional athletic events when attending as private citizens. Rep. Jeff Holcomb (R) is sponsoring the measure in the House, and Sen. Jay Collins (R) is carrying the Senate version (SB 1248).

HB 1021 has passed through its necessary committees and is now set for a vote on the House floor. Meanwhile, SB 1248 still has three committee stops before it can reach the Senate floor.

If the House and Senate pass different versions, lawmakers would need to reconcile them before the bill can proceed to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 6025 (HB 6025) seeks to remove the automatic ban on selling and carrying firearms and ammunition during a declared local state of emergency due to potential violence or public disorder. Under current law, such restrictions are automatically enacted, limiting the rights of lawful gun owners.

Rep. Monique Miller (R) is carrying HB 6025 in the House, while Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R) is sponsoring the Senate version, SB 952.

HB 6025 has cleared its committee process and is now headed to the House floor for a full vote. SB 952 has one remaining committee stop before it can advance to the Senate floor.

These legislative efforts highlight Florida’s ongoing focus on Second Amendment rights and self-defense measures. If passed, these bills could bring notable changes to the state’s firearm laws in the coming months.

Read the original story: Bills to Lower Firearm Purchase Age, Expand Carry Rights Advance in Florida

AUSTIN, TX — A newly proposed bill in the Texas Legislature could allow public high school students to take a gun safety and hunter education course as part of their physical education curriculum. House Bill 1085, authored by Representatives Pat Curry and Helen Kerwin, aims to introduce a “lifetime recreation and outdoor pursuits” course that includes a hunter education component, providing students with valuable outdoor skills and firearm safety education.

The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and was recently considered in a public hearing before the House Public Education Committee on March 18, 2025. It remains pending in committee as lawmakers deliberate on its potential impact and implementation.

Representative Curry emphasized the importance of integrating outdoor activities and gun education into school curriculums.

“It’s beneficial to have physical education that supports outdoor activities and can teach about guns and gun safety,” Curry told KXXV.

The proposed course would satisfy the physical education credit required for Texas public school students, offering an alternative to traditional gym classes while equipping students with essential firearm safety knowledge.

The course would also pave the way for students interested in hunting by preparing them for state licensing requirements.

“For children who want to get into hunting, you are required to get a license once you are 16 years old to complete a hunter safety course in the state of Texas and many states by the way. That hunter safety course in Texas transfers for the rest of your life,” Curry explained.

With hunting being a significant part of Texas culture, the bill aims to ensure that young individuals receive proper training and education before handling firearms in outdoor recreational settings.

If passed, the bill would allow school districts to offer the course as an elective, ensuring participation remains optional. Parents would have to provide approval before students could enroll. The curriculum would be developed in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring that all educational material meets state safety and conservation standards.

Should the bill pass, the course could be available to students as early as the 2025-2026 school year. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote for immediate effect; otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2025.

HB 1085 represents a significant step toward promoting responsible firearm education among Texas youth. By integrating gun safety into schools, students can develop a foundational understanding of firearm handling, hunting ethics, and outdoor recreation. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that individuals who choose to own or use firearms do so responsibly and safely.

As the bill awaits further legislative action, it has garnered attention from both supporters and critics, with proponents arguing that such education could reduce accidental firearm incidents and better prepare young hunters for safe participation in outdoor activities.

The bill remains in committee, and its future will depend on further legislative discussions. As lawmakers continue to review HB 1085, Texas residents can follow its progress and provide input through public hearings or by reaching out to their state representatives.

Read the original story: Texas Bill Proposes Gun Safety and Hunter Education as Physical Education Elective

RALEIGH, NC — On March 18, 2025, the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 50, titled “Freedom to Carry NC,” which proposes to allow U.S. citizens aged 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without obtaining a permit. The bill now moves to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee for further consideration. ​

The proposed legislation permits individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry concealed handguns without a permit. Despite this change, the bill maintains the current concealed handgun permit system for those who seek permits for reciprocity purposes when traveling to other states or for personal reasons.

After its approval by the Judiciary Committee, Senate Bill 50 has been re-referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee. If it receives a favorable report there, it will proceed to the Senate floor for debate and voting. If passed by the Senate, the bill will move to the House for consideration. Governor Roy Cooper’s stance on the bill has not been publicly stated at this time.​

Senate Bill 50 upholds the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by removing unnecessary barriers to concealed carry. Responsible gun owners should not be required to obtain permits to exercise their constitutional rights. Additionally, North Carolina would join 29 other states that have enacted similar “constitutional carry” laws, reflecting a growing trend toward permitless concealed carry across the nation. ​

Read the original story: North Carolina Advances ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Allowing Permitless Concealed Carry for Residents 18 and Older

DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa House Judiciary Committee has approved House Study Bill 262 (HSB262), which would lower the minimum age requirement for acquiring or carrying weapons from 21 to 18. The bill, which has been renumbered as House File 924 (HF924), now moves forward for consideration by the full House.

The bill received a favorable committee vote of 17-4, signaling strong support among lawmakers. Proponents argue that legal adults should not be denied their constitutional right to self-defense, while opponents raise concerns about public safety.

This bill is part of a growing trend across the country to restore Second Amendment rights to 18- to 20-year-olds. Several other states have introduced or passed similar measures, including Florida, Kentucky, and federal efforts to lower the handgun purchase age. Additionally, the Fifth Circuit Court recently struck down the federal handgun sales ban for 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the argument that legal adults should not face age-based restrictions on their rights.

HF924 will now move to the full Iowa House for debate and a vote. If it passes the House, the bill will head to the Iowa Senate for consideration. Should both chambers approve the legislation, it will be sent to the governor’s desk for final approval. Given the strong pro-Second Amendment stance among Iowa lawmakers, the bill has a solid chance of becoming law. However, it is expected to face opposition from gun control advocates who argue that lowering the age requirement could lead to increased risks.

Read the original story: Iowa House Advances Bill to Lower Firearm Permit Age to 18

TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a significant legal development, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Florida’s law that raises the minimum age for purchasing rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21. This statute, enacted in 2018 following the Parkland high school shooting, has been a focal point in ongoing debates surrounding gun control and Second Amendment rights.​

The court’s decision, delivered on March 14, 2025, emphasized that the age restriction aligns with historical firearm regulations. Chief Judge William Pryor, writing for the majority, stated, “From this history emerges a straightforward conclusion: the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms.”

This ruling arrives amid legislative efforts to reverse the age increase. House Bill 759, introduced by State Representatives Michelle Salzman and Tyler Sirois, proposes reducing the minimum firearm purchase age back to 18. The bill has garnered support from key figures, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis, who argue that if 18-year-olds can serve in the military, they should fully exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Opponents of the bill, however, reference the law’s origins as a response to the Parkland shooting, where a 19-year-old assailant legally purchased the firearm used in the attack. Democratic Representative Robin Bartleman described the proposal as “a slap in the face” to the victims’ families, emphasizing the need to uphold measures designed to enhance public safety.

As the legislative session progresses, the interplay between the recent court ruling and the proposed bill will be closely monitored. The outcome will significantly influence the balance between safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring public safety in Florida.​

The recent court decision underscores the judiciary’s role in interpreting firearm regulations within historical contexts. Simultaneously, the legislative push to lower the firearm purchase age reflects a commitment to restoring rights to legal adults aged 18 to 20. This demographic, entrusted with various civic responsibilities, arguably deserves the full spectrum of constitutional protections, including the right to keep and bear arms.​

Read the original story: Florida Appeals Court Upholds Firearm Purchase Age Limit Amid Legislative Reconsideration

PIERRE, SD — The South Dakota Legislature has passed House Bill 1218, a measure that would allow individuals to carry concealed pistols in establishments where more than half of the income is derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages. This bill seeks to repeal the existing prohibition on concealed firearms in such venues, a restriction that has been in place since 2019.

The bill’s progression saw significant amendments, notably by Republican Senator Mykala Voita, who introduced the provision permitting concealed carry in bars. The Senate approved this amendment with a 30-4 vote, sending the bill back to the House. After some deliberation, including the formation of a conference committee to reconcile differences, the House concurred with the Senate’s version, passing it with a 56-14 vote.

Proponents of the bill, such as Republican Representative Aaron Aylward, emphasized that while the legislation permits concealed carry in bars, individual establishments retain the authority to prohibit firearms on their premises. This ensures that business owners can make decisions best suited to their specific environments.

The bill aligns South Dakota’s laws with neighboring states like Minnesota and Montana, where concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol is permitted. Allowing concealed carry in these venues enhances personal protection and deters potential threats, challenging the effectiveness of designated “gun-free zones.”

Opponents, including representatives from the South Dakota Retailers Association, expressed concerns about the sudden nature of the amendment and the potential implications for business owners and patrons. They called for more time to discuss and review the bill’s impact.

The bill now awaits the governor’s decision to be signed into law. If enacted, it would mark a significant shift in South Dakota’s firearm regulations, expanding the rights of concealed carry permit holders within the state.

This move is part of a broader effort by South Dakota lawmakers to strengthen gun rights. Another key piece of legislation, House Bill 100, seeks to allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms, pepper spray, and stun guns on public college campuses. These efforts reflect an ongoing reassessment of firearm regulations to better align with self-defense rights and public safety considerations.

Read the original story: South Dakota Lawmakers Vote to Permit Concealed Pistols in Bars, Awaiting Governor’s Signature