Permitless 'Constitutional' Carry Now Law in 29 States, NRA Pushes for National Reciprocity
Permitless or 'constitutional' carry has gained significant traction in the U.S., with 29 states now allowing residents to carry concealed handguns without prior permission. This shift comes after the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in 2022, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which affirmed Americans' right to carry firearms for self-defense outside the home.
Despite the growing trend, a few states continue to resist recognizing this right, treating carriers as presumptive criminals. The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has long pushed for national concealed-carry reciprocity legislation, aiming to stop 'anti-gun tyranny' in states with harsh penalties. This has been their top legislative priority for over two decades.
Congress has the power to pass such legislation, with bills introduced as far back as 1995 and an outstanding version currently pending in the House. The shift towards more liberal concealed-carry laws began around 2013, with 42 states adopting 'shall-issue' laws by then. Now, 29 states recognize the right to carry concealed without a permit, making it the majority practice.
The Supreme Court's decision in Bruen was grounded in historical practices and legal traditions dating back to the country's founding. It confirmed that the right to 'bear arms' indeed includes the right to carry handguns for self-defense. As the debate over national concealed-carry reciprocity continues, the push for consistent laws across all states remains a key issue in U.S. gun policy.
