It is beginning to feel like the fight for Second Amendment rights are gaining ground. It’s strange to say, but it’s a Constitutional right, and we shouldn’t have to fight to get it. We are here. After Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, constitutional carry became a reality for Alabama. The new law became effective on January 1, 2023. This marked half of the country being constitutional carry states.
Alabama Constitutional Carry Law goes into effect
Governor Kay Ivey signed the new permitless carry bill into law on March 10, 2022. Kay Ivey signed into law the new permitless carry bill. The new law went into effect on January 1, 2023, despite some controversy, even from law enforcement. Alabama citizens are no longer required to have a permit in order to carry concealed pistols after the new law was passed.
Ivey stated that Alabama is reaffirming its commitment to defending the Second Amendment rights, unlike other states that are trying to make it harder for law-abiding citizens. “I have always stood up to the rights of law-abiding gun owner, and I am proud that I can do it again today.”
As one would expect, Democrats decry this bill, claiming that it will increase gun violence. The Alabama Sheriffs Association also believes permit requirements are an important tool for public safety, but has adjusted accordingly. Many appreciate Ivey’s defense of our Second Amendment rights. Even Republicans who opposed the legislation in the past are now on board because of provisions.
Fox News reports that “Republican legislators who opposed the legislation previously said they felt more comfortable voting for it now because the state was creating a “prohibited person” database to assist officers in flagging people who are prohibited from possessing handguns because of their criminal record. An earlier state law gave the option of obtaining a lifetime concealed carry permit.
Half of the Country Permits Constitutional Carry
Technically, Alabama was the 22nd state that passed a law recognizing constitutional carrying. It didn’t take effect until the start of the year, so it was carried by the United States into 2023. 25 states are now fully practicing constitutional carry.
However, you should not give up your concealed carry permit. There are legitimate reasons to keep one. Specifically, reciprocity. Half of the country has constitutional carry, while the other half doesn’t. You will still need a permit if you plan to travel throughout the country.
Fox News’s sponsor, Rep. Shane Stringer, said that it was wise to have an Alabama concealed carry permit when traveling out of the state.
Fox News stated, “Stringer pointed out that there are still places where weapons have been banned completely for security reasons, such courts.”
These are the 25 states with constitutional carry currently:
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
According to the National Association for Gun Rights, Michigan, Louisiana and South Carolina are also considering or likely to consider constitutional carry.
Even though the Second Amendment already gives citizens power to carry concealed guns, legislation like this is essential. Some would like to remove the Second Amendment from the constitution, but states like Alabama are sticking with it. Governor Ivey, congratulations!
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The post Alabama becomes a Constitutional Carry State – Making it Half the U.S. appeared originally on Personal Defense World.
