The United States continues to face the impact of gun violence on communities, prompting new state and federal measures aimed at addressing the issue, which are set to take effect in 2025, USA Today reports.
In 2024 alone, nearly 500 mass shootings were reported, with the deadliest taking place in a Chicago suburb, leaving eight people dead.
Biden’s call for action
In response to the recent spike in school shootings, including a devastating incident in Wisconsin, US President Joe Biden reiterated the need for stronger action to reduce gun violence. He highlighted the success of his administration’s efforts, which include passing the most significant gun safety laws in nearly 30 years. However, Biden acknowledged that more work remains to be done.
New gun safety laws taking effect in 2025
Several new gun safety measures will go into effect across the country on January 1, 2025. Here are some of the key laws:
California strengthens gun safety regulations
California governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of laws in September aimed at strengthening the state’s gun safety regulations. Among the new laws:
- AB 1483: This law strengthens rules against applying for more than one handgun in a 30-day period, though it is currently on hold due to a court injunction.
- AB 1598: Firearm dealers are now required to provide consumers with pamphlets that outline the risks of gun ownership, including the increased risk of death by suicide, homicide, or unintentional injury.
- AB 2917: Courts are now directed to expand considerations for gun violence restraining orders to include hate-based threats.
Governor Newsom emphasised the urgency of action, saying, “California won’t wait until the next school shooting or mass shooting to act.”
Colorado’s new rules for firearm storage and training
In Colorado, a new law requires that handguns stored inside unoccupied vehicles be kept in a locked, hard-sided container and out of plain view. In addition, starting in July 2025, anyone applying for a concealed carry permit will need to complete an eight-hour training class, which includes a written exam and live-fire exercise.
New Hampshire expands gun rights
New Hampshire has taken steps to expand gun rights. Starting January 1, the state will implement laws such as:
- HB 1186: This law strengthens privacy protections related to gun laws.
- HB 1336: It prevents employers from forbidding employees from storing guns in locked vehicles.
Other states implementing laws
In Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Delaware, and other states, new gun-related laws will also take effect in 2025:
- Kentucky: A new law bans the use of merchant category codes for gun retailers, which financial institutions could use to track gun-related purchases.
- Minnesota: A ban on binary triggers, which allow a gun to fire twice with a single pull of the trigger, will come into effect on January 1.
- Delaware: Universities will now be included in Safe School Zones, making it a felony to possess a firearm on campus.
- New York: A new regulation requires gun dealers to post signs warning about the risks of gun ownership and introduces a statewide registry of extreme risk protection orders.
Gun safety advocates speak out
Gun violence prevention advocates have welcomed the upcoming regulations, calling them a step in the right direction. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, a leading organisation dedicated to reducing gun violence, these state laws represent a significant improvement in keeping communities safe.
“America’s gun violence epidemic is not inevitable, it is the logical outcome of lawmakers’ callous inaction in service to the gun lobby,” Monisha Henley, senior vice president for government affairs at Everytown, told USA Today. “As we head into the New Year, not a single consequential law rolling back our progress on gun safety will go into effect, but countless laws making our communities safer will,” she added.
NRA on gun rights
The national rifle association (NRA) has celebrated what they view as significant victories for gun rights in 2024. With a “pro-gun president” and Republican majorities in Congress, the NRA pointed to legislation passed in several states that expand gun rights, including laws that allow lawful gun owners to carry firearms without a permit. They also noted the failure of gun control measures in states like Colorado, Maine, and New Mexico.
