New gun laws rolling out in multiple states on Jan. 1, 2025: Here's what to know

Gun violence continues to affect communities across the United States despite a recent decline following the pandemic-related surge.

The most tragic incident occurred in a Chicago suburb in January, claiming eight lives.

Focused on curtailing gun-related violence, and also on enacting the most substantial gun security legislation in approximately three decades.

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"More is still lacking," he stated.

State governments have also enacted their own gun regulations. Here's what advocates on gun policy had to say about the 2024 legislative year and a preview of some laws set to take effect in the coming year

There was a mixed reaction from gun safety advocates and Second Amendment supporters regarding recent developments in 2024.
In response to changes happening in 2024, one said, "The Second Amendment is still in effect, and responsible gun ownership is just as essential as ever."
Others felt strongly that ''the growing threat of mass shootings dictates an urgent need for stricter gun control measures to save lives.''
A gun safety advocate pointed out, "The most effective way to prevent gun violence is to have universal background checks on all firearm purchases and ban the sale of assault-style weapons."
Some public officials have called for a renewed focus on mental health resources, citing evidence that suggests such factors are linked to a significant portion of mass shootings.
Then, proponents of gun rights stated, "False equivalency. You can't equate someone who commits an atrocity and say its the gun, the gun, the gun and at the same time say its not the gun.''
Others believe that increased support for law enforcement and improved community policing are key strategies for reducing violence.

For the most part, the state laws about gun safety coming into effect in 2025 strive to promote gun safety, as stated by the gun violence prevention organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

Gun violence in the US isn't unavoidable, it's the predictable result of politicians' lack of urgency to take action on gun safety, probably due to pressure from gun lobbyists, said Monisha Henley, a senior government affairs expert at Everytown for Gun Safety. "As the new year begins, not a single policy undoing our progress on gun safety will take effect, but many laws reducing gun violence in communities will come into force."

The National Rifle Association also claimed successes in 2024. John Commerford, Interim Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, touted the election of a "pro-gun president" and Republican majorities in the two congressional houses.

"In a victory for gun rights proponents, amendments to the Second Amendment were safeguarded and strengthened in multiple states during 2024," said Commerford in an interview with USA TODAY.

The organization highlighted states like South Carolina and Louisiana, which have adopted laws allowing permit-free carry of firearms by law-abiding citizens starting in 2024, and others like Colorado, Maine, and New Mexico, where attempts to restrict certain types of guns ultimately fell short.

Here are some new laws that start taking effect on January 1st across various states.

There is no text to paraphrase.

New California gun safety laws take effect on January 1.

These measures include requiring schools to develop safety programs and plans, as well as establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, with both having deadlines set for the next few years.

Several of these regulations will go into effect on January 1, including:

A new bill aims to make it stricter to obtain multiple handguns in a 30-day period. It also eliminates a loophole that allowed private gun transfers to bypass some regulations. Despite this, the law has been caught up in court challenges, so the California Department of Justice won't enforce it until a court order is lifted, a spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY on December 27.
Firearm dealers must give customers a brochure listing the reasons for and the dangers of firearm ownership, specifically mentioning the higher chance of death in a household due to suicide, homicide, or accidental injury.
The advisory appears to suggest that courts broaden their criteria for issuing gun violence restraining orders, potentially adding protection against threats motivated by hatred or bias to the current focus.

In a recent news statement, it was noted that, in the absence of federal legislation, our state has taken steps to enhance its already robust gun regulations.

For those holding a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, the state mandates that a firearm shall be stored in a locked container or compartment, located in a locked vehicle.

As of January 1st, in the state of Colorado, a handgun stored inside an empty car must be placed in a locked, hard-sided carrying case that is out of view, and the vehicle itself must also be locked, with certain exceptions.

In order to obtain a concealed carry permit, applicants must complete an 8-hour training program, which includes both a written test and a firearms training session. The new law, set to take effect on July 1, also bars individuals who were convicted of certain misdemeanors from obtaining the permit if those offenses occurred within the past 5 years.

New Laws Taking Effect in New Hampshire Enhance Gun Rights for Residents

A new law that took effect in July shields police officers who grant gun permits as part of their official duties in good faith.

Kentucky has joined more than a dozen other states that have passed NRA-endorsed gun laws.

Financial institutions can use Mastercard Cash Advances (MCCs) to track various types of purchases, but the MCC only reveals the category of the purchase, not the specific item bought.

Kentucky was among the 10 states that passed a municipal carry ban in 2024, according to the NRA, and at least five other states had already passed such laws; in addition, a few states, such as California, have enacted legislation mandating it.

Kentucky's ban will become effective on January 1, 2025.

Several states, specifically Minnesota, New York, and Delaware, are enacting new gun laws that will take effect on January 1.

Starting on Jan. 1, a type of automatic trigger, called a binary trigger, will take effect. A binary trigger lets a gun go off once when you press the trigger down and then again when you let it go.

Starting January 1, university campuses are included in the Safe School Zone, where possessing a firearm is now considered a felony offense.

Starting January 7th, New York gun dealers will be required to post signs alerting customers to the risks associated with gun ownership. Beginning in the new year, New York will also establish a statewide registry for Extreme Risk Protection Orders. This registry will temporarily bar individuals deemed at risk to themselves or others from possessing a firearm.

No text was provided to paraphrase.

Kinsey Crowley is a prominent journalism reporter with USA TODAY, and can be contacted through email at kcrowley@gannett.com, or by following her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.

This article now includes a video supplement.

This article was first published by USA TODAY.

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