As we step into 2025, a wave of new gun laws will take effect across the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over gun safety and rights. While violent crime rates have shown signs of decline since the pandemic, gun violence remains a persistent issue in many communities. This year, nearly 500 mass shootings have been reported, and the tragic loss of life in incidents like the January massacre in Chicago underscores the urgency for action.
In response, both federal and state lawmakers are taking significant steps to address this issue. While the Biden administration has pushed for stronger federal gun safety measures, several states are implementing their own regulations, aiming to curb gun violence and enhance safety. As we usher in the new year, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming gun laws set to roll out on January 1, 2025.
Gun safety advocates are largely supportive of the new laws, which they say are vital to reducing the nation’s gun violence epidemic. Monisha Henley, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety, emphasized that these measures represent not just good policy, but also good politics.
“America’s gun violence epidemic is not inevitable,” Henley said. “It is the result of years of inaction by lawmakers who have prioritized the interests of the gun lobby. Heading into 2025, we’re seeing a surge in laws that will make our communities safer. Gun safety isn’t just a policy priority—it’s a moral and practical necessity.”
On the other hand, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has celebrated what they consider victories for Second Amendment rights. John Commerford, Interim Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, pointed to the election of a “pro-gun president” and Republican-controlled state legislatures as proof that gun rights are being protected and even expanded in several states.
“The NRA applauds the states that have passed laws expanding Second Amendment freedoms, including South Carolina and Louisiana, where lawful gun owners can now carry firearms without a permit,” Commerford noted.
State-by-State Breakdown of New Gun Laws
California: Strengthening Gun Safety Measures
California continues its leadership in gun safety, with a series of new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024. Effective January 1, the state will implement several key changes aimed at improving firearm safety and preventing violence:
AB 1483: This law strengthens the restriction on applying for more than one handgun within a 30-day period, though its enforcement is currently on hold due to a court injunction.
AB 1598: Requires firearm dealers to provide a pamphlet to customers outlining the risks of gun ownership, including increased risks of homicide, suicide, and unintentional injury.
AB 2917: Expands the scope of gun violence restraining orders to include threats of violence based on hate.
Governor Newsom stated, “California won’t wait for the next mass shooting to take action. In the absence of federal action, we’re leading the way to protect our communities.”
Colorado: New Storage and Concealed Carry Training Laws
In Colorado, new regulations will take effect in the new year:
Secure Storage: Starting January 1, any handgun stored in an unoccupied vehicle must be kept in a locked, hard-sided container out of plain view, with the vehicle also locked.
Concealed Carry Training: Beginning July 1, individuals applying for a concealed carry permit will need to complete an eight-hour training course, which includes a written exam and a live-fire exercise. Certain misdemeanor convictions will disqualify applicants from obtaining a permit for five years.
South Carolina: Permitless Open Carry
South Carolina’s new law, which allows lawful gun owners to carry handguns openly or concealed without a state permit, was passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature in 2024. This legislation, which goes into effect on January 1, is one of the most significant changes in the state’s gun laws in recent years.
New Hampshire: Expanded Gun Rights
New Hampshire will also see new laws bolstering gun rights, including the prohibition of merchant category codes (MCC) that could track gun purchases. These laws aim to protect privacy and limit governmental oversight of legal gun purchases.
Kentucky and Beyond: NRA-Backed Legislation
Kentucky is one of several states set to implement NRA-backed legislation, such as bans on the use of MCCs to track gun purchases. This move, effective January 1, aligns with efforts by the NRA to limit financial institutions’ ability to monitor firearms transactions.
Other states, including Minnesota, New York, and Delaware, will implement various changes. Minnesota will ban binary triggers starting January 1, while Delaware’s new law will make possessing a firearm on college campuses a felony. In New York, new regulations will require gun dealers to display warnings about the risks of gun ownership and will implement a statewide registry for extreme risk protection orders.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Gun Laws?
As these new laws take effect, the conversation around gun control is expected to intensify. Advocates for stronger gun laws argue that more needs to be done to reduce violence and protect communities, especially in light of frequent mass shootings and rising gun deaths. On the other hand, proponents of Second Amendment rights are focused on expanding personal freedoms and protecting gun ownership as a constitutional right.
In 2025, we can expect even more states to pass gun laws, either strengthening or relaxing regulations, depending on local political climates. As the debate continues, both sides are committed to ensuring that their views are heard and their rights upheld.
Read more: