The Second Amendment remains a hot topic in 2025, with gun rights and regulations sparking debate across the nation. From court decisions challenging long-standing firearm restrictions to new legislation shaping the future of concealed carry, this year has already seen significant developments that impact gun owners. As laws evolve and legal battles unfold, it’s more important than ever for responsible firearm owners to stay informed. This year’s “Guns in the News” roundup will highlight the most notable stories affecting your rights, safety and responsibilities. Whether you’re concerned about new laws, legal victories or proposed regulations, we’ve got you covered with the latest updates from around the country.
February
North Carolina Moves Toward Becoming 30th Constitutional Carry State
Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have introduced bills to allow permitless concealed carry, making it the latest state to consider constitutional carry legislation. If passed, the law would allow lawful gun owners to carry concealed without a government-issued permit. House Bill 5 would also allow elected officials to carry in legislative building and offices in Raleigh.
Breitbart, North Carolina
Sweeping Semi-Automatic Firearm Restrictions Proposed in New Legislation
Lawmakers in Colorado are pushing for significant new restrictions on semi-automatic firearms, including expanded bans on so-called “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines. The proposed legislation, which included requiring a criminal background check and safety course before purchasing a gun, is expected to face strong legal and political challenges despite already passing the state’s senate.
The Wilton Bulletin, Colorado
Maine Seeks to Reinstate 3-Day Gun Purchase Waiting Period
Maine’s Attorney General is appealing a court decision that temporarily blocked the state’s new three-day waiting period on firearm purchases. The pause followed a lawsuit arguing the law violates constitutional rights and burdens lawful gun owners. The case could set a precedent for other states considering similar waiting period laws.
Maine Morning Star, Maine
Trump Signs Executive Order on Second Amendment Rights
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order reaffirming protections for gun owners and limiting federal overreach on firearms regulations. The order addresses concerns over recent ATF rulings and seeks to roll back restrictions on firearm accessories. While gun rights groups praise the move, gun control advocates warn it could weaken enforcement efforts.
New York Lawmakers Consider Nine New Gun Control Measures
State legislators in New York are considering a sweeping package of gun control bills, including expanded background checks for 3D printers, storage mandates, a 30-day waiting period and new licensing requirements. Each of the nine bills currently sit in committee, however Senate and Assembly leaders have signaled they intend to take up some of, if not all of the bills in the coming legislative session.
North Country Now, New York
Massachusetts Gun Law Faces Federal Court Challenge
Massachusetts’ strict firearm laws are being challenged in federal court, with plaintiffs arguing a state law that prohibits adults from age 18 to 20 from acquiring, possessing or carrying semi-automatic firearms and handguns violate the Second Amendment. The lawsuit also targets restrictions on magazine capacity and other gun control measures. The case could have major implications for gun owners in Massachusetts and beyond, depending on the court’s ruling.
Western Mass News, Massachusetts
Federal Judge Rules Machine Gun Charges Violate Second Amendment
A federal judge has dismissed machine gun-related charges against a Mississippi man, ruling that the federal prohibition on converting firearms violates the Second Amendment. The ruling does not invalidate the law wholesale, impacting only charges against Justin Bryce Brown for owning an unregistered machinegun. However, if other federal judges agree, the decision could pave the way for future courts to throw out the federal machinegun ban altogether. The decision follows recent court rulings that question the historical basis for modern firearm regulations.
The Reload, Mississippi
Bill Allowing Concealed Carry on Public Campuses Advances in South Dakota
A South Dakota bill that would allow concealed carry on public college campuses has advanced in the legislature. The proposal also corrects the right to carry stun guns and chemical sprays. Passing 33 to two, the bill now moves to the next legislative stage for further debate.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting, South Dakota
Rhode Island Governor Rallies Support for Assault Weapons Ban
Gov. Dan McKee is pushing for an assault weapons ban in Rhode Island, urging lawmakers to “finally get this done.” The proposed ban would prohibit the purchase, sale, manufacture and possession of assault-style weapons, including semi-automatic shotguns, rifles and pistols. The only exceptions to the ban, according to McKee, would be for law enforcement and military personnel. McKee also said Rhode Islanders who currently own assault-style weapons can keep theirs so long as they are registered with their local police departments within a year of the ban taking effect. The bill’s fate remains uncertain in the state legislature.
WPRI, Rhode Island
Illinois Judge Strikes Down Gun Purchase Permit Requirement
An Illinois judge has ruled the state’s gun purchase permit requirement is unconstitutional, eliminating a barrier for lawful gun buyers. The decision is a victory for gun rights advocates, though state officials are expected to appeal. If upheld, the ruling could impact similar regulations across the country.
The Reload, Illinois
Federal Judge Upholds Hawaii’s Under-21 Gun Ban
A federal judge has upheld Hawaii’s law banning gun purchases for individuals under 21, ruling it aligns with historical firearm restrictions. Gun rights advocates had challenged the law, arguing it unfairly restricts young adults’ Second Amendment rights. The ruling is expected to be appealed, potentially setting up a larger court battle.
The Reload, Hawaii
Senators Introduce Bill to Raise Age for ‘Assault Weapon’ Purchases
A group of 19 U.S. senators has introduced legislation to raise the minimum age for purchasing so-called “assault weapons” to 21. The move comes amid continued calls for stricter gun control following high-profile shootings. The bill faces stiff opposition from Second Amendment advocates and is likely to face challenges in Congress.
Colorado Senate Democrats Move to Ban Firearms in Government Buildings
Democrats in the Colorado Senate have introduced a bill to prohibit firearms in state government buildings, citing safety concerns. Opponents argue the measure infringes on lawful carry rights and leaves citizens defenseless in public spaces. The bill is expected to pass given Democratic control of the legislature.
Colorado Politics, Colorado
New Mexico Senator Pushes Semiautomatic Rifle Ban Despite Strong Opposition
After experiencing gun violence firsthand in a city that has become the poster child of lawlessness in New Mexico, Sen. Debbie O’Malley is among a handful of Democrats championing what will likely be one of the most contentious pieces of legislation of the State Senate’s 60-day session: A bill that would ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic rifles. Senate Bill 279, known as the Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearms Exclusion Act, or GOSAFE, also would prohibit the manufacture and sale of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The legislation is modeled after a bill U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is co-sponsoring at the federal level.
Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexico
January
Senator Cornyn Proposes Bill for Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has introduced a bill to establish nationwide concealed carry reciprocity, allowing permit holders to legally carry across state lines. Proponents argue it simplifies legal travel for gun owners, while critics worry it undermines state-specific firearm regulations. President Trump voiced support for the law while on the campaign trail.
Colorado Lawmakers Consider Ban on Detachable Magazines
A proposed bill in Colorado would ban the sale, purchase and manufacture of semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. Senate Bill 3 would affect many pistols and rifles, whose manufacturers don’t appear to make versions of the weapons without removable magazines. It would also outlaw rapid-fire trigger activators and bump stocks.
Colorado Sun, Colorado
Attorneys General Plan to Defend Gun Regulations
More than a dozen Democratic state attorneys general have said they plan to defend two gun regulations now being challenged in court, including one banning devices that enable semi-automatic guns to fire more quickly. One case involves devices known as forced reset triggers, or FRTs, which can be installed on weapons, functionally turning them into machine guns, according to Platkin. The other centers on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives regulation that came out of a 2022 law.
Supreme Court Declines Multiple Second Amendment Cases
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected several Second Amendment-related cases while keeping gun ban challenges under review. Advocates on both sides of the gun rights debate await the Court’s next steps, which could clarify or reshape firearm regulations nationwide.
Appeals Court Overturns Pennsylvania Emergency Gun Carry Ban
A Pennsylvania emergency gun carry ban has been blocked by an appeals court following a Supreme Court remand. Pennsylvania had attempted to ban the open carry of firearms for 18- to 20-year-olds during declared emergencies. The court ruled the ban violated constitutional rights, with Second Amendment groups celebrating the decision as a victory for lawful gun owners.
The Reload, Pennsylvania
Illinois Supreme Court Hears Arguments Against Concealed Carry Law
The Illinois Supreme Court has heard arguments challenging the state’s concealed carry law, with opponents claiming it violates constitutional rights. Under Illinois’ aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statute, individuals are not allowed to carry a firearm in public unless the person has a valid Concealed Carry License. The case could have significant implications for gun owners and firearm regulations within the state.
NPR, Illinois
Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi Signals Openness to Gun Control Talks
During her confirmation hearings, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on gun control measures. When asked about gun laws such as “red flags,” Bondi said she would defend the laws of the United States. Bondi’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from gun rights advocates, who fear potential compromises on Second Amendment issues.
White House Gun Violence Prevention Website Goes Offline
The White House’s official Gun Violence Prevention website has unexpectedly gone offline, sparking speculation about the administration’s stance on firearms policy. Critics have called for transparency, while supporters argue it may signal a strategic shift in approach.
Lawsuit Defends Truckers’ Right to Carry Firearms Across State Lines
The Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit challenging laws that restrict truck drivers from carrying firearms while traveling across state borders. The case argues these laws violate the Second Amendment and interstate commerce protections, with implications for lawful gun owners nationwide.
Wyoming Adopts New Rules Allowing Firearms in State Capitol
Wyoming officials have unanimously approved new rules permitting firearms in the state Capitol, provided carriers meet specific requirements. Firearms are currently prohibited in the state Capitol, but Gov. Mark Gordon promised, after vetoing a 2024 bill that would have lifted all gun-free zones statewide, to consider lifting gun-free zones in state-owned buildings operated through the executive branch.
Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Wyoming
Fifth Circuit Reaffirms Gun Rights for Marijuana Users
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of gun rights for marijuana users, declaring that federal prohibitions barring cannabis users from owning firearms are unconstitutional. This decision builds on recent challenges to federal gun restrictions, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling. The court’s opinion found the federal government failed to demonstrate sufficient historical precedent for restricting gun rights based on marijuana use. The ruling adds momentum to ongoing debates about the intersection of gun ownership and drug policies and highlights the legal conflicts between state and federal marijuana laws.
Ohio Governor Signs Law Protecting Gun Owners’ Privacy
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a bill aimed at protecting gun owners’ privacy, including prohibitions on mandatory firearm insurance. The legislation prevents the release of personal information about gun owners and aligns with broader efforts to safeguard Second Amendment rights in the state.
The Scioto Post, Ohio
Washington Supreme Court Hears High-Capacity Magazine Ban Challenge
The Washington State Supreme Court is reviewing a case that challenges the state’s high-capacity magazine ban. The lawsuit, brought by a gun shop owner, argues the law violates constitutional rights. The court’s ruling could set a precedent for similar laws nationwide.
Washington State Standard, Washington
Bill Seeks to Lower Concealed Carry Age to 18
A new bill proposed in Oklahoma would lower the legal age for concealed carry from 21 to 18. House Bill 1004 was filed by Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland). Olsen said if someone can get married or buy a house at the age of 18, they should be able to protect themselves.
Fox 25, Ohio
Nebraska Supreme Court Considers Lincoln Firearm Lawsuit
The Nebraska Supreme Court is hearing a case involving a lawsuit against the city of Lincoln over local firearm ordinances. The case, brought by gun rights advocates, challenges the city’s authority to enforce gun control measures stricter than state law.
CBS 3, Nebraska
