Which state has the strictest laws?

Asked by: Susan Gerhold PhD  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (63 votes)

The number of regulatory restrictions were determined by counting the number of command words (i.e., “shall,” “must,” “may not,” “required,” and “prohibited” in the regulatory codes. Data showed that California was the most heavily regulated state in the country in 2022, while Idaho was the least.

What state has the strictest gun laws?

California is ranked as the #1 state in the nation for the strength of its gun safety laws — along with some of the lowest rates of gun deaths and gun ownership — by Giffords Law Center and Everytown for Gun Safety.

What is the least strict state?

The least regulated state is Idaho, followed by South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Alaska. Idaho wasn't always that way.

Which state has the most law?

California is the state with the most laws.

What state has the strictest environmental laws?

California is home to some of the country's strictest environmental regulations. Those standards can sometimes spread to other states and beyond. It's known as the "California Effect."

Which State Has The Strictest Immigration Laws?

44 related questions found

Which U.S. state has the most strict laws?

Data showed that California was the most heavily regulated state in the country in 2022, while Idaho was the least.

What state has the harshest environment?

The state ranked for the worst climate and weather in the U.S. is Alaska, with 79.1 points out of 100, the report showed. Second for worst climate and weather is Louisiana with a 51.22. The other top 10 states, in order, are Mississippi, Arizona, South Carolina, Arkansas, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Kentucky and Missouri.

What is the most broken law in America?

1. Underage drinking. Underage drinking is relatively common in the U.S. Despite the law, alcohol continues to be the substance of choice for young people, ranking even higher than tobacco, marijuana, and other substances.

What state has no common law?

Florida. Florida abolished common law marriage effective January 1, 1968. Marriages contracted prior to this date are not affected. Additionally, Florida recognizes valid common law marriages from other states.

What state has no law?

Well, located in the Sonoran Desert in California, is America's only law-free area; Slab City. Its name comes from the concrete slabs that were left behind by Marine Corps barracks of Camp Dunlap during World War II. Several campers, travellers, and squatters occupy the area, many of which are retired.

What is the least safe US state?

WalletHub released a 2023 study ranking the safest states in the US. Fifty-two safety indicators were considered in five categories, including road and financial safety. Louisiana was ranked at the bottom of the list, making it the least-safe state in the US.

What state is most gun-friendly?

Best States for Gun Owners
  • #8 Texas. ...
  • #7 Oklahoma. ...
  • #6 Missouri. ...
  • #5 Mississippi. ...
  • #4 Montana. ...
  • #3 Arkansas. ...
  • #2 West Virginia. ...
  • #1 New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a Constitutional Carry state with incredibly relaxed gun laws and low crime rates.

What states don't allow guns?

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.

Which states have the worst gun violence?

As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at 29.4 percent, followed by Louisiana, at 28.1 percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of 3.7 percent, the lowest out of all the states.

In what states can felons own guns?

- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.

What is the most powerful law in the United States?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land in the United States.

What is the poor law in the United States?

The Poor Laws categorized public dependents as worthy or impotent poor (aged or mentally or physically impaired) and perhaps deserving of aid; unworthy poor (sturdy beggars—able-bodied adults in poverty); and dependent children—poor, unwanted, abandoned, or orphaned.

Why is it illegal to sing the Macarena in public?

Singing 'Macarena' in public

Depending on factors like the volume and the number of people involved, doing so may break copyright laws, according to Business Insider.

What is the biggest sue ever?

The Biggest Lawsuit Ever: The Tobacco Settlement — $206 Billion.

Which state has the best court system?

In this year's Justice Index, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and California came out on top; South Dakota, Nevada, and New Hampshire scored at the bottom.

Have two states ever sued each other?

Pennsylvania v. West Virginia, 262 U.S. 553 (1923). The Court, in Maryland v. Louisiana, 451 U.S. 725 (1981), over dissent, relied on this case in permitting a suit contesting a tax imposed on natural gas, the incidence of which fell on the suing state's consuming citizens.

What is the most bad state?

Here are WalletHub's 10 worst states to live in for 2024.
  1. Louisiana. A bad economy and poor safety, health, and education statistics have put Louisiana in WalletHub's lowest spot.
  2. New Mexico. WalletHub ranked New Mexico second lowest on its safety rankings. ...
  3. Arkansas. ...
  4. Alaska. ...
  5. Nevada. ...
  6. Mississippi. ...
  7. Oklahoma. ...
  8. South Carolina. ...

What is the dirtiest state in the US?

1. Louisiana. Louisiana often sits at the top of the list of the most polluted states due to a long industrial past and current industrial sites, including petrochemical production, chemical plants, and shipyards.

What is the most violent state in America?

1. Louisiana. Louisiana is the most dangerous state in the U.S., ranking 47th for financial safety and 49th for emergency preparedness. Louisiana has one of the highest unemployment rates, sitting at 8.3% as of November 2020.