The Debate Over Concealed Weapon Permits

In recent years, those state that did not previously have concealed weapon legislation in place began the process of enacting such laws. With that reality noted, the debate over concealed weapon legislation and concealed weapon permits has been heated. Despite the fact that 48 states have enacted concealed weapon permit laws thus far, the debate over the appropriateness of concealed weapon laws continues onward to this very day. With that noted, despite the fact that concealed weapon legislation and concealed weapon permits are controversial and not universally accepted to say the least, no state that has enacted concealed weapon legislation has yet to repeal such legislation.

When it comes to the debate over concealed weapon permits, the divide is quite similar to that which appears when the subject of the right to bear arms more generally is debated. However, there appear to be slightly more people opposed to concealed weapon permits than are opposed allowing people the ability to possess guns in the first instance. In other words, there is a segment of the population that is in favor of the so-called "right to bear arms" but who are opposed to people being allowed to have concealed weapon permits.

The segment of the population that opposes (opposed) allowing people concealed weapon permits really have been "shouted down" in nearly every state in the country. Again, most states - 48 in total - have enacted legislation that allows for concealed weapon permits. Moreover, there are two states that permit the carrying of concealed weapons without the need for a concealed weapon permit - Alaska and Vermont.

While those who are generally opposed to concealed weapon permits being issued have pretty much lost the debate as of this juncture, they continue to work to try and limit the locations at which a person can carry a concealed weapon with a permit. On this level, these individuals have enjoyed some success in limiting the scope of where people can carry a concealed weapon with a permit. For example, in most states an individual, privately owned business can now prohibit allowing a person to bring a concealed weapon onto the premises of the business establishment.

The debate over concealed weapon permits is not expected to end any time soon. However, with that noted - and as has been set forth previously in this article - no state has reversed itself once it has enacted concealed weapon legislation. And, most experts maintain that no state is likely to reverse itself completely when it comes to concealed weapon permit laws any time soon. Nonetheless, there likely will be some more minor restrictions placed on where a person can carry a concealed weapon in the future in some states.

Concealed weapons permits increase by 154 percent

  CEDAR RAPIDS — For reasons ranging from personal security to “because I can,” the number of Iowans with permits to carry concealed weapons increased 154 percent during the first year of relaxed laws governing their issuance. Dennis Rosekrans, 63, of rural Cedar Rapids — one of more than 60,000 Iowans who’ve secured permits in [...]

Recent attacks revive gun debate

With the recent on-campus attacks still fresh on many students’ minds, the issue of whether or not to allow the carrying of concealed weapons on campus is beginning to resurface in the campus safety conversation. Currently, state law prohibits the carrying of firearms on or around college campuses, but the recent increase in crime on … more »

Consider This: National Right to Carry Law

Consider This: A South Carolina concealed weapons permit is not valid in all states, including our next-door neighbor Georgia.

Scanners could reveal concealed weapons

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- New York City police say they are testing a new way to find concealed guns by using radiation scanners that can detect people carrying firearms.

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING BACK Three men were prevented from carrying out a planned jailbreak at the Onondaga Penitentiary, including an Albany native, who was indicted and awaiting trial on charges of carrying concealed weapons. Ethics legislation which would require many public officials — local as well as state — to make extensive disclosure of their outside sources of income was being considered by a ...