What to Know About the Gun Laws in 2023
The gun laws in the United States of America in 2023
The topic of new gun laws remains in the mainstream media annually, with countless discussions and debates surrounding gun control at the forefront of public discourse. In 2023 alone, we’ve had multiple changes to gun laws, with politicians and the president striving for stricter regulations and entire bans to be put in place. Citizens need to remain informed about changes to gun laws that may affect their rights and responsibilities as gun owners.
We’d like to take a moment to provide an overview of the new gun law changes implemented in 2023, highlighting their potential impact on both gun owners and broader society as a whole. Whether you’re a firearm enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or generally curious about the ever-evolving landscape surrounding firearm regulations, this should help you better understand the key aspects of new gun laws in 2023!
Background on Gun Laws
First and foremost, before we dive into the new gun laws of 2023, it is essential to have a basic understanding of existing gun regulations. Gun laws vary significantly between states and regions, making navigating the politicized landscape rather tumultuous. Such laws aim to strike a balance between retaining individual rights and public safety. However, many firearm enthusiasts feel the government and its regulations are encroaching upon personal rights set forth by the founding fathers.
The common aspects of gun laws in the United States revolve around regulating the purchase, possession, carrying, and use of firearms. These laws aim to prevent gun violence, protect public safety, and ensure responsible gun ownership.
That said, in 2023 alone, the U.S. Government introduced a staggering 400 new gun bills at the state level and a handful at the federal level. These include concealed carry reciprocity, stabilizing brace bans, “assault weapon” bans, alterations to constitutional carry, “ghost gun” bans, and many more.
Overview of New Gun Laws in 2023
Numerous new laws have been introduced in 2023 and changes to existing laws to increase public safety. However, due to numerous cases of firearm misuse over the past year, citizens and regulators are calling for greater action and strict firearm laws.
Currently, the big gun laws introduced in 2023 include:
- Universal Background Checks: Many jurisdictions throughout the country have enacted universal background check requirements to include all firearm sales, both public and private, to cut down on loopholes and prevent firearms sold in one state from making it to another illegally.
- Red Flag Laws: Various red flag laws have gained traction over the past few years. These laws enable law enforcement or concerned citizens to petition the local courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals they feel could pose a severe risk to themselves or others.
- Assault Weapons Ban: There are currently ten states with an “assault weapons” ban, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. That said, most don’t know what an “assault weapon” is, despite the ban. Many portray such firearms in an incorrect light altogether and ban “scary black” firearms, like the iconic AR-15. Furthermore, President Biden would like to “ban assault weapons once and for all.”
- Safe Storage Requirements: Many states have introduced new gun regulations that mandate safe storage of all firearms in the home, especially when not in use. These requirements hope to prevent unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children or those who cannot legally possess one.
- Stabilizing Braces: In January 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces’,” which amends the regulation on pistol braces by reclassifying guns with such accessories as short-barreled rifles. An SBR requires ATF licensure and permission, while a pistol does not. In June, the Senate voted to reject the ATF ruling.
Implications for Gun Owners
While most gun owners use their firearms and expertise for hunting purposes, many more retain firearms in the home for personal defense. As such, most newly introduced gun regulations affect those wishing to keep themselves and their families safe from harm.
That said, it’s crucial to understand how new gun laws affect personal rights and responsibilities as a gun owner.
- Compliance: Take time to familiarize yourself with new laws in your jurisdiction and ensure compliance to avoid legal woes. Stay up-to-date on amendments and additional regulations that may follow in the wake of newly introduced laws. Or for when the Senate shuts down those laws, as we saw with stabilizing pistol braces.
- Storage and Safety: If your area implements safe storage requirements, invest in a gun-safe or secure storage solution to secure all firearms when not in use. By adhering to such regulations, it’s possible to prevent accidents or unauthorized access altogether.
- Transfer and Sale: With the expansion of universal background checks in many states, it is crucial to correctly follow procedures when transferring and selling firearms. Understand all legal requirements and ensure checks and documentation are appropriately followed and completed.
- Education and Training: Take advantage of the countless education and training resources available to firearm owners to remain informed about responsible gun ownership, safety measures, and changes to laws and/or regulations. In most jurisdictions, there are local firearm training opportunities and organizations that teach and promote responsible gun use.
Sorting Through Controversy
Whenever a new gun law is introduced, it is marred by controversy on one side and support on the other. The issue has become tribal over the years. Some advocates argue that we, as a society, require stricter regulations to help reduce gun violence and bolster public safety. In contrast, many opponents express concerns about infringing individual rights and one’s ability to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm’s way. The argument is that criminals will find ways to acquire guns, but the law-abiding populace will no longer have the means to defend themselves.
Overall, it’s crucial that everyone engages in constructive dialogue and participates in the democratic process to help shape firearm regulations in a way that perfectly balances safety and individual rights.
Conclusion
As we move swiftly through 2023, it is essential to remain up-to-date about new gun laws introduced by the state and federal governments. Adhering to new regulations and understanding the nuances makes it possible to remain a responsible firearm owner — one with a custom rifle or pistol to suit sport shooting or hunting — without breaking the law.
