What is the new law about guns?
Asked by: Dr. Tyrique Balistreri I | Last update: April 24, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)
There isn't one single "new" federal gun law, but recent significant developments include the DOJ deeming the 1927 ban on mailing handguns unconstitutional, proposed federal Constitutional Carry Reciprocity (H.R. 38) for concealed carry, a federal Justice Department rule to restore gun rights for some, and states like Colorado passing bans on certain semi-automatics (SB-3), while the Supreme Court is also reviewing rules on carrying guns on private property, showing a mix of expanded rights and new restrictions.
What is the new gun law in the US?
Quick summary: On March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) upheld the Biden-era ATF's 2022 rule requiring serial numbers and background checks for 80% receivers and kits. (The anti-gun media calls these items ghost guns.)
What is the new gun ban?
Since mid-2020, Ottawa has outlawed about 2,500 types of guns, including the AR-15 on the basis they only belong on the battlefield. WATCH ABOVE: Starting Monday, gun owners may declare in trust in a federal program offering compensation for turning in or permanently deactivating their guns.
Can I carry a gun in Colorado without a license?
Yes, you can carry a gun in Colorado without a permit if it's openly carried, as it's an open-carry state for adults 18 and older who can legally own a firearm, but concealed carry requires a permit. However, there are significant restrictions, including prohibitions in schools, government buildings, and private property where signage forbids firearms, and local jurisdictions can have specific rules.
What did the Supreme Court rule about guns?
Unlike some other parts of the Constitution, the line of Supreme Court cases interpreting the Second Amendment is relatively short. In 2008, in District of Columbia v. Heller, the court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep guns inside the home for self-defense.
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How many guns can a US citizen legally own?
There is no limit on the number of firearms you may own if you are otherwise eligible to possess firearms under California and federal law.
Is the Supreme Court getting rid of gun permits?
In fact, the Supreme Court has consistently clarified 1. v. Bruen struck down the century-old proper cause requirement in New York's permit law in 2022, the Supreme Court left in place the rest of New York's permit law and similar laws in all other states requiring a permit to carry.
Can I walk around with my gun in Colorado?
Open carry is legal in Colorado for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver county and other posted areas.
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
“Openly carry” means the weapon is visible and not loaded; if it is loaded, a different law, Penal Code § 25850, controls and elevates the stakes. Merely having ammunition on your person while openly carrying an unloaded handgun can trigger an additional sentence enhancement (see § 25850(c)).
Where is open carry illegal in Colorado?
Under state law, a CCW permit can be issued to any resident who is 21 or older and who is not otherwise barred by law from owning a gun. Denver is the one exception throughout Colorado where open carry has been banned. This prohibition was enacted under the authority of the Colorado “home rule” law.
In which states are guns banned?
Forty-four states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
Can you legally take a gun to Canada?
If you are coming into Canada with a firearm, please fill out a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form ( RCMP 5589) before you arrive at your entry point into Canada to save you time. Do not sign the form; a Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) customs officer must witness your signature. The fee is $25.
Why are states banning guns?
Gun control advocates state that restricting and tracking gun access would result in safer communities, while gun rights advocates state that increased firearm ownership by law-abiding citizens reduces crime and assert that criminals have always had easy access to firearms.
What state has the freest gun laws?
Mississippi, Wyoming, and Arizona are frequently cited as having the loosest gun laws, with Mississippi often ranked as the most lenient due to minimal regulations, lacking permit requirements for concealed carry, and few restrictions on public carry, while Wyoming and Arizona also stand out for permitless carry and strong self-defense laws. New Hampshire and West Virginia are also noted for their relaxed approaches, with some sources placing New Hampshire at the top due to low crime and lax rules.
What are the new gun laws in 2026?
This bill would, beginning on January 1, 2026, require a person who possesses a firearm in a residence to keep the firearm securely stored when the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user.
Can the ATF take your guns?
ATF has the authority to seize and forfeit firearms, ammunition, explosives, alcohol, tobacco and other assets used in criminal activity under the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture authority.
Is using a holster open carry?
Open carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in public where it is fully or partially visible to others — whether in a holster or not. It is distinct from concealed carry, which involves hiding the firearm from plain view.
Why is open carry legal but not concealed?
Proponents of open carry point to history and statistics, noting that criminals usually conceal their weapons, in contrast to the law-abiding citizens who display their weapons. As of 2025, almost all US states allow for open carry either without a permit or with a permit/license.
Can you carry on an unloaded gun?
You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter.
How many pistols can you carry at once?
Short answer: With a valid California CCW, you can carry no more than two firearms at one time. That limit is set in state law and took effect January 1, 2024. For anyone preparing for their CCW, this question comes up often.
Can I carry a gun without a permit in Colorado?
Yes, you can carry a gun in Colorado without a permit if it's openly carried, as it's an open-carry state for adults 18 and older who can legally own a firearm, but concealed carry requires a permit. However, there are significant restrictions, including prohibitions in schools, government buildings, and private property where signage forbids firearms, and local jurisdictions can have specific rules.
Can I take my gun hiking in Colorado?
Is it legal to carry a weapon in Colorado National Forests? While visiting National Forests in Colorado, you may carry a weapon. However, in addition to state laws, you must comply with Federal Regulations pertaining to the use of a firearm on National Forest System lands.
What is the Trump National Firearms Act?
1, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, has removed the $200 manufacturing and transfer tax for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and AOW's, although the $200 tax remains for machine guns and destructive devices.
What is the new Supreme Court decision on guns?
In a surprising victory for gun advocates last week, a federal court struck down California's longstanding ban on the open carrying of firearms. The decision appears to be a seismic shift for the Golden State, yet the practical effect on gun carrying in cities such as Los Angeles may be far less dramatic.
Can the right to bear arms be taken away?
Yes, the right to bear arms can be restricted or lost for certain individuals through laws and court rulings, but a complete federal repeal of the Second Amendment is extremely difficult, requiring a lengthy constitutional amendment process. Restrictions often target felons, the mentally ill, or those with restraining orders, while laws also regulate weapon types and places like schools, but the Supreme Court has affirmed an individual right, even while allowing "presumptively lawful" regulations.