Gun violence continues to impact communities across the country, despite a decrease in overall violent crime rates following the pandemic. In 2024, there have been close to 500 mass shootings recorded by Gun Violence America, with the deadliest incident claiming eight lives in a Chicago suburb. President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to address gun violence, emphasizing the recent passage of significant gun safety legislation. While progress has been made, there is a recognition that more actions are necessary.
State-level initiatives have also been implemented to address gun regulations, with advocacy groups emphasizing the importance of enacting laws that prioritize gun safety. The organization Everytown for Gun Safety stresses that the prevalence of gun violence is a result of legislative inaction and calls for continued efforts to protect communities. Despite this, the National Rifle Association celebrated wins in 2024, citing successes in protecting Second Amendment rights in various states.
Looking ahead to 2025, new laws are set to take effect to enhance gun safety measures in different parts of the country. For instance, South Carolina is considering a law that would permit the open carrying of firearms in public, while California is set to implement additional regulations aimed at strengthening gun safety, such as restrictions on multiple handgun purchases within a 30-day period.
As the debate between gun safety advocates and Second Amendment supporters continues, the focus remains on finding a balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring community safety. The evolving landscape of gun laws underscores the ongoing efforts to address the complex issue of gun violence in the United States.
The risks associated with owning firearms, such as the increased likelihood of death within the household due to suicide, homicide, or accidental injury, are highlighted in AB 2917. This legislation instructs courts to broaden the scope of gun violence restraining orders to encompass threats of violence, particularly those motivated by hate. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized California’s proactive approach to strengthening gun laws in response to potential tragedies like school shootings. A recent demonstration in Nashville demanded stricter gun control measures following a tragic mass shooting at Covenant School.
In Colorado, new regulations mandate secure storage of handguns in vehicles, requiring them to be placed in locked containers out of sight and with the vehicle also locked. Furthermore, individuals applying for concealed carry permits will need to complete an eight-hour training course starting in 2025. This law also restricts individuals with recent misdemeanor convictions from obtaining permits. Conversely, New Hampshire has passed laws in support of gun rights, including enhancing privacy protections and allowing employees to store guns in locked vehicles.
Kentucky is among several states enacting NRA-supported laws, including bans on assigning merchant category codes to gun retailers. These codes can reveal purchase details to financial institutions. Meanwhile, Minnesota and New York are implementing new gun laws, such as the ban on binary triggers in Minnesota and including university campuses in Delaware’s Safe School Zone. Possessing a firearm on campus in Delaware will be considered a felony offense starting in the new year.
New York will require gun dealers to post signs warning consumers of the risk of gun ownership starting Jan. 7. In the new year, New York is also implementing a statewide registry of extreme risk protection orders, which bars someone from owning a gun temporarily if they are deemed at risk to themselves or others.
