New Year, New Laws: How US States Are Tackling Gun Violence in 2024

As the new year begins, several US states are implementing fresh gun control measures in response to the ongoing issue of gun violence, which has seen nearly 500 mass shootings in 2024 alone. These legislative efforts aim to enhance public safety and reduce the incidence of such tragedies.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted a series of gun safety laws. These measures, which begin to take effect from January 1, include the mandate for schools to develop safety programs and the creation of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, with further deadlines set for the future. This initiative represents a significant step towards curbing gun-related incidents in the state.

Colorado has introduced a law requiring handguns stored in unattended vehicles to be secured in a locked, hard container that is not visible from outside. This law, effective from the start of January, also necessitates that the vehicle itself be locked. Additionally, starting in 2025, Colorado residents wishing to obtain a concealed carry permit will need to undergo an eight-hour training course, which entails a written examination and a practical live-fire exercise.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, legislation banning binary triggers will come into force at the beginning of January. Binary triggers, which allow a firearm to discharge twice with a single pull and release of the trigger, will no longer be permissible under this new regulation.

Delaware is taking steps to extend its Safe School Zone to include university campuses, making it a felony to possess a firearm on these properties from January 1. This move reflects a growing trend toward ensuring the safety of educational environments from the threat of gun violence.

Contrastingly, New Hampshire has taken a different approach by expanding gun rights with the introduction of two bills that take effect at the start of the year. HB 1186 aims to enhance privacy protections concerning gun laws by preventing the use of specific merchant category codes. HB 1336 ensures employees can store firearms in their vehicles on company property, provided the vehicle is locked.

Kentucky, alongside New Hampshire, has also implemented a ban on merchant category codes (MCC) for gun retailers, a measure supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA highlights that several states have enacted laws against assigning MCCs to gun retailers, with at least five other states having adopted such legislation prior to 2024. Furthermore, states including California have passed laws mandating it.

The diversity in state-level gun regulations, from enhancing gun safety measures to expanding gun rights, illustrates the complex landscape of gun control within the United States. As each state adopts its approach, the national dialogue on how best to address gun violence continues to evolve.

As these new laws come into effect, they represent the ongoing efforts by states to tackle the pervasive issue of gun violence through a variety of legislative measures. Whether by enhancing gun safety, protecting privacy, or regulating the storage and carrying of firearms, these laws aim to create a safer environment for all citizens.