Gun Owners of Vermont: Constitutional Carry
GoVT: Defending Vermonters' Constitutional Firearms Rights Since 1997!

Listing: Constitutional Carry States:
1. Vermont: 1791 Constitution.
1a. Montana (limited CC): 1991 (All areas outside city limits) (Full Constitutional Carry in 2021)
2. Alaska: 6/11/2003 (H.B. 102)
2a. Texas (limited CC): 2007 (Motorist Protection Act - people can carry in their vehicles, and to and from their vehicles and their homes, land or business) (Full Constitutional Carry in 2021)
3. Arizona: 4/16/2010 (S.B. 1108)
4. Wyoming: (limited CC): signed 3/2/2011, effective 7/1/2011. Visitors must carry the weapon openly)
5. Arkansas: 8/16/2013 (HB.1700, Act 746)
6. Kansas: (SB.45)4/2/2015.
6a. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: June 2015 (carry and licensing regulations were struck down in a court case, but LEOs are still enforcing the previous laws)
7. Maine: (LD 652) signed 7/8/2015, effective 10/15/2015. Maine REQUIRES notification to authorities of their firearm in instances such as traffic stops for those without a license.
8. West Virginia: (HR.4145) signed 3/5/2016, effective 5/24/2016.
9. Idaho: (SB.1389) (residents only) signed 3/24/2016, effective 7/1/2016.
10. Mississippi: 4/15/2016 (HB.786)
11. Missouri: 9/14/2016: (SB.656) effective 10/14/2016.
12. New Hampshire: (SB.12) signed 2/9/17, effective 2/22/2017.
13. North Dakota: (HB.1169) signed 3/25/17, effective 8/1/17, (concealed carry for residents only)
ND REQUIRES notification to authorities of their firearm in instances such as traffic stops.
14. South Dakota: (SB.47) signed 1/31/2019, effective July 1, 2019.
Open carry already legal.
15. Oklahoma: (HB.2597) signed 2/27/2019, effective 11/1/2019.
Law allows residents of "Constitutional Carry" states to CC in OK without a permit as long as they are legally able to CC in their state of residence (aka Vermont Carry).
16. Kentucky: (SB.150) signed 3/11/2019, effective June 27, 2019. Concealed carry for residents and nonresidents 21 years old, open carry of firearms for residents and nonresidents 18 years old or older.
17. Utah: (HB60) signed 2/12/2021, effective 5/5/2021.
18. Montana: (HB102) signed 2/18/2021, effective 6/1/2021.
19. Iowa: (House File 756) signed 4/2/2021, effective 7/1/2021.
20. Tennessee: effective 7/1/2021.
21. Texas: (HB1927) signed 6/16/2021, effective 9/1/2021.
Constitutional Carry States
Feb 2022 issue Harper's
Free Country by Rachel Monroe
Permitless carry and the new gun-rights extremism
Permitless carry and the new gun-rights extremism
12/8/2021: Political Pearl-Clutching Over Permitless Carry Won't Stop Its ProgressPolitical Pearl-Clutching Over Permitless Carry Won't Stop Its Progress
4/18/2021: Mandatory Firearms Training for a Constitutional Right!? ~ VIDEOMandatory Firearms Training for a Constitutional Right!? ~ VIDEO
3/31/2021: Constitutional Carry Status Update by Robert FlieglerConstitutional Carry Status Update
3/17/2021: Constitutional Carry Clears House Subcommittee (South Carolina)Vermont gets the nod as " one of the safest states in the Union" because of Constitutional Carry.
2/12/2021: NAGR: Utah is set to become the 17th Constitutional Carry State when the law takes effect on May 5th.Utah: HB60
Will Utah become the next state to drop concealed carry permit?
"Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George, is sponsoring HB60 in the Utah Legislature’s upcoming 2021 general session, set to begin Jan. 19. The bill’s language mirrors legislation he filed in the final days of the 2020 session, which would remove the state’s requirement for law-abiding Utahns over the age of 21 to have a permit to lawfully carry a concealed firearm."
Will Utah become the next state to drop concealed carry permit?
10/13/2020: What's a 'Vermont carry' and what does it have to do with Amy Coney Barrett?What's a 'Vermont carry' and what does it have to do with Amy Coney Barrett?
1/14/18: Atlantic City "Our view: Gun foes should be careful what they wish for on concealed carry""Our view: Gun foes should be careful what they wish for on concealed carry"
1/5/18: INDIANA "ASK THE SHERIFF: Sheriff answers questions on constitutional carry"
Vermont is mentioned as "the safest state in the nation."
"ASK THE SHERIFF: Sheriff answers questions on constitutional carry"
1/5/18: NY Daily Gazettte "Concealed gun laws no threat to public""Concealed gun laws no threat to public"
12/20/17: Extrano's Alley "Vermont Is Not A Populous State, But….""Vermont Is Not A Populous State, But…."
11/29/17: VTDigger "Burlington chief lobbies against federal concealed carry expansion"
Watch Weinberger-Appointed, Bloomberg-Funded anti-gun Brandon del Pozo attack Vermonter's rights to bear arms by lying about what criminals do.
"Burlington chief lobbies against federal concealed carry expansion"
9/27/17: "Money, not safety, drives unlimited gun-carry foes" by Bob Aldridge
Vermont is mentioned as the cornerstone of Constitutional Carry.
"Money, not safety, drives unlimited gun-carry foes"
9/14/17: INDIANA OPINION "Gun carry a right"
A discussion of Constitutional Carry and how the anti-gunners lie.
9/14/17: INDIANA OPINION "Gun carry a right"
7/3/17: AmmoLand "Constitutional Carry in Idaho — 1 Year Later!"
The 9th CC state celebrates it's first year, safer than it has been before.
"Constitutional Carry in Idaho — 1 Year Later!"
6/7/17: AlienGear Holsters "Vermont Gun Laws On Concealed Carry""Vermont Gun Laws On Concealed Carry"
6/7/17: Granite Grok "The 3 States with the Lowest Violent Crime Rates in the US all Have Constitutional Carry" by Steve MacDonald"The 3 States with the Lowest Violent Crime Rates in the US all Have Constitutional Carry"
4/4/17: Newsday "NYC, Nassau officials decry new federal open carry proposal"
Again, Vermont gets blamed for future violence in NYC!
"NYC, Nassau officials decry new federal open carry proposal"
3/24/17: The TRUTH About Guns "BREAKING: North Dakota Joins the Constitutional Carry Club"
There are now three states that limit Constitutional Carry to residents. Those are Idaho, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Most Courts have ruled that non-residents cannot be discriminated against under the equal protection clause.
"BREAKING: North Dakota Joins the Constitutional Carry Club"
3/24/17: NH Political Buzz "Bloomberg’s gun control push has helped 10 states pass ‘Constitutional Carry’ laws""Bloomberg’s gun control push has helped 10 states pass ‘Constitutional Carry’ laws"
Twin States Differer on the Issue of Guns in Schools"
Again, the media lies about Vermont laws in order to enact laws in New Hampshire. Just like they lie about New hampshire to pass laws in Vermont.
Twin States Differer on the Issue of Guns in Schools"
Robertson V. Baldwin 165 U.S. 275 (1897)
The beginning of the gun control interpretation of the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
Robertson V. Baldwin (1897)
2/28/17: Michael Bloomberg's The Trace "Understanding ‘Constitutional Carry,’ the Gun-Rights Movement Sweeping the Country"
See how the anti-gunners lie about constitutional carry and Vermont
"Understanding ‘Constitutional Carry,’ the Gun-Rights Movement Sweeping the Country"
2/22/17: Union Leader "Sununu signature scraps need for 'concealed carry' permits"
New Hampshire becomes #12 Constitutional Carry State!
"Sununu signature scraps need for 'concealed carry' permits"
2/15/17: The Sparta Independent "Brady campaign protests at Frelinghuysen office"
New Jersey Brady Campaign supporters use Vermont as reason why THEY don't want Consealed Carry Reciprocity.
My comment: I am tired of seeing Vermont is being used as a talking point as to how dangerous being legally able to carry a firearm is.
The Brady Campaign "facts" are totally incorrect as usual.
According to 2015 FBI data, Vermont is the SAFEST state in the nation, again.
Vermont is the ORIGINAL Constitutional Carry state. Others states are following suit each year.
New Jersey has a population of 14x Vermont, yet their Violent Crime is 31x that of Vermont (22,879 vs 739).
New Jersey has 36x more murders than Vermont (363 vs 10).
New Jersey has NINETY-SIX times more robberies that of Vermont (9,729 vs 121).
New Jersey has 23x more Aggravated Assaults than Vermont (11,414 vs 492).
Please stop lying to the public to push your anti-liberty agenda...
2/16/17: The Sparta Independent "Brady campaign protests at Frelinghuysen office"
2/9/17: New Hampshire Political Buzz "‘Constitutional Carry’ passes in NH: Grassroots activists win the day""‘Constitutional Carry’ passes in NH: Grassroots activists win the day"
1/12/17: SeaCoast Online "Unpermitted conceal carry actually reduces violent crime" by Dennis Karoleski"Unpermitted conceal carry actually reduces violent crime"
11/29/16: The New York Sun "2nd Amendment Mandate"
Vermont is singled out as the state to model all federal gun laws after.
CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY!
The New York Sun "2nd Amendment Mandate"
9/19/2016: The Federalist "The New York Times’ Lack Of Gun Knowledge Is Embarrassing"
According to The New York Times, Missouri’s recent passage of a ‘constitutional carry’ gun law has transformed the Show-Me State into ‘the shoot-me state.’
"The New York Times’ Lack Of Gun Knowledge Is Embarrassing"
9/15/2016: Guns.com "Missouri lawmakers override veto, approve constitutional carry""Missouri lawmakers override veto, approve constitutional carry"
9/14/2016: "Missouri Republicans vote to override veto of gun bill""Missouri Republicans vote to override veto of gun bill"
4/15/2016: Bearing Arms "BREAKING: Mississippi Governor Signs Constitutional Carry Into Law""BREAKING: Mississippi Governor Signs Constitutional Carry Into Law"
3/29/2016: "Constitutional carry and the art of skinning cats" by Claire Wolfe
A brief explanation of "Vermont Carry" and how Vermont is the model for the nation on Constitutional Rights!
"Constitutional carry and the art of skinning cats"
3/25/2016: Idahoans For Liberty - "Idaho Gov. Butch Otter signs permitless carry into law""Idaho Gov. Butch Otter signs permitless carry into law"
3/18/2016: TownHall.com "Idaho Constitutional Carry Bill Awaits Governor's Signature""Idaho Constitutional Carry Bill Awaits Governor's Signature"
3/18/2016: Idahoans for Liberty "BREAKING NEWS: Idaho Legislature Passes Permitless Carry 54-15!""BREAKING NEWS: Idaho Legislature Passes Permitless Carry 54-15!"
3/17/2016: Idaho Reporter "Legislature ignores Bloomberg lobbying, advances gun rights bill""Legislature ignores Bloomberg lobbying, advances gun rights bill"
3/5/2016: Crime Prevention Research Center "West Virginia becomes 11th state with Constitutional Carry""West Virginia becomes 11th state with Constitutional Carry"
3/5/2016: WEST VIRGINIA: WVNSTV.com "Concealed carry gun bill passes in to law"
(EFFECTIVE DATE: May 24, 2016) A bill that would allow West Virginians to carry a concealed gun without a permit passed in to law today. House Bill 4145 went through the last part of the legislative process on Saturday, March 5, 2016.
The bill allows for the concealed carry of a firearm in West Virginia without a permit by people who are 21 and older. Adults 18 to 21 must still receive training and a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
West Virginia Senate President Bill Cole (R) gave this statement:
"The Senate today, in a broad bipartisan vote, defended the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding West Virginia citizens by overriding Governor Tomblin’s veto of House Bill 4145.

(c) Any person twenty-one years of age or older may carry a concealed deadly weapon, without permit, in this state provided that the following conditions are met:
(1) The person is a United States citizen or legal resident thereof; and
(2) The person is not prohibited under the provisions of section seven of this article or federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or (n), from receiving, possessing or transporting a firearm.
"Concealed carry gun bill passes in to law"
2/18/2016: Michigan Live "Gun legislation would make Michigan 7th state to allow concealed pistols with no permit""Gun legislation would make Michigan 7th state to allow concealed pistols with no permit"
"Open carry: An ancient right seeking codification" By Tom Jackson"Open carry: An ancient right seeking codification"
2016: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY DETAILS:
Maine Statutes - Title 25
Maine Statutes - Title 25
2016: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY DETAILS:
SAFER Maine, Statewide Access to Firearms Education & Resources, a service of Gun Owners of Maine.
This the SAFER Introduction to Basic Handgun Safety & Concealed Carry course.
This the SAFER Introduction to Basic Handgun Safety & Concealed Carry course.
IMPORTANT CARRY NOTE for MAINE VISITORS: Duty to INFORM Law Enforcement
An Act To Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns without a Permit
Sec. 4. 25 MRSA §2003-A is enacted to read:
§2003-A. Duty to inform law enforcement
When an individual who is carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to the authority of this chapter and who does not have a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun that has been issued as provided in this chapter first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer of this State or its political subdivisions or a federal law enforcement officer during the course of any arrest, detainment or routine traffic stop, that individual shall immediately inform that law enforcement officer of the fact that the individual is carrying a concealed handgun.
MAINE - IMPORTANT CARRY NOTE: Duty to inform law enforcement
12/17/2015: ABC News "WVa May Weigh Measure to Allow Concealed Guns Without Permit""WVa May Weigh Measure to Allow Concealed Guns Without Permit"
12/5/2015: Burlington Charter Changes – The Next Assault on VT Law by Bob DePino.
See how the anti-gun politicians will stop at nothing, even breaking the law, in order to restrict the rights of lawful citizens!
Burlington Charter Changes – The Next Assault on VT Law
10/16/2015: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW
Carrying of open or concealed firearms WITHOUT a permit goes into effect on 10/16/2015.
See the link for the new law.
Please note the most important part of NOTIFYING LAW ENFORCEMENT if you are stopped for anything!
10/16/2015: MAINE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY LAW
MAINE: COMPLETE Concealed Handgun LawsMAINE: COMPLETE Concealed Handgun Laws
9/17/2015: Breitbart - Panama Loosening Gun Restrictions Due to U.S. Experience of ‘More Guns, Less Crime’Panama Loosening Gun Restrictions Due to U.S. Experience of ‘More Guns, Less Crime’
8/19/2015: MAINE: Video - Gun Stores Reporting Spike in Gun Sales after Constitutional Carry passed into law.MAINE - Firearm purchases spike
8/12/2015: The BLAZE, "Judge Hands Down Big Ruling on Dad Who Openly Carried Gun Inside Daughter’s ‘Gun-Free Zone’ School"
Michigan judge rules in FAVOR of armed father to carry openly in daughter's school's "gun-free zone."
Judge Hands Down Big Ruling on Dad Who Openly Carried Gun Inside Daughter’s ‘Gun-Free Zone’ School
Editorial: Lancaster Online: Never-ending debate: Do concealed guns make us safer?
On a side note, "If some state legislators get their way, Pennsylvania residents won’t need a permit to carry a concealed weapon."
Vermont Carry may come to Pennsylvania soon...
Never-ending debate: Do concealed guns make us safer?
8/5/2015: "Constitutional carry clearly protects the freedoms of individuals, and diminishes the power of the government…"
"When the data is inconclusive, it’s best to side with freedom."
Sigaud: An Objective Look at Constitutional Carry (MAINE)
7/13/2015: MAINE: Maine becomes the 8th State to Pass “Constitutional Carry” Maine Now 8th State to Pass “Constitutional Concealed Carry”
7/9/2015: The TRACE (Bloomberg's anti-gun website): "Vermont’s Long, Strange Trip to Gun-Rights Paradise"
"Why the Green Mountain State and its singular history are to thank for new laws that allow the concealed carry of guns without a permit."
HUGE ARTICLE ABOUT VERMONT'S HISTORY AGAINST GUN CONTROL. GoVT's Ed Cutler is often quoted, and even gets in the last word!
"Vermont’s Long, Strange Trip to Gun-Rights Paradise"
NHPR Editorial: Maggie "Hassan, for her part, is using the veto as a way to raise cash. She is telling supporters in an email that the National Rifle Association will attack her and is seeking to raise $5,000 by the end of Tuesday."
Imagine that?
The Governor is using her veto to raise campaign money!
Pro-Gun Group Plans Rally After Concealed Carry Veto
7/7/2015: NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Democratic Governor VETOES Constitutional Carry bill because it would undo the state’s “common sense” gun laws.
Any time you hear "Common Sense Gun Laws" you are talking to an ANTI-GUNNER!
N.H. governor vetoes concealed carry bill
7/1/2015: KANSAS: Kansas gets Constitutional Carry!New Kansas gun, tax laws go into effect Wednesday 7/1/15
6/30/2015: MAINE: Constitutional Carry WAITING FOR SIGNATURE!Gun Rights Victory: Maine Passes Constitutional Carry, Governor Vows Signature
Constitutional WIN: Jun 20, 2015: [BREAKING] According to the Second Amendment Foundation, a recent court victory gives Puerto Rico residents the ability to open carry and concealed carry without a permit.Court Victory Gives Puerto Rico Permitless Concealed Carry And Open Carry!
Editorial: Fran Wendelboe: Women, guns and concealed carryWhy is New Hampshire's governor going against the legislature and women's rights?
Jun 8, 2015: NRA - America's 1st Freedom
"Vermont Carry Reaches Maine’s Shores"
"it appears that surrounding states have been catching Vermont envy"
Maine's journey to Vermont's Constitutional Carry almost at the end.
Vermont Carry Reaches Maine’s Shores
Editorial: 6/5/2015: Portland Press Journal - Concealed-carry law might not put Maine under the gun
So agree many researchers, who say the loosening of firearms regulations elsewhere hasn't had a major impact.
Many researchers say the loosening of firearms regulations elsewhere hasn't had a major impact on firearm deaths.
"Concealed-carry law might not put Maine under the gun"
6/1/2015: MAINE: Using Vermont as the Gold Standard of what Gun Rights SHOULD Be!
The rest of the Nation looks to VERMONT to lead by example!
Why are Vermonters having to fight Gun Control every year?
Maine House Overwhelmingly Passes Constitutional Carry
Civil Rights: April 17, 2015: Gun Owners of America: Constitutional Carry in Vehicles on the Move in Alabama!Alabama moves to emulate Vermont carry laws!
4/1/2015: NEW HAMPSHIRE:
New Hampshire state senator Jeb Bradley (R), who is a supporter of the constitutional carry bill, argued that making it easier to carry a gun will lead to lower violent crime rates in New Hampshire.

"Our radical and dangerous neighbor to the west – Vermont, which has allowed concealed carry without a license for 200 years without a problem – is the safest state in the nation."
Jeb Bradley, supporter of the constitutional carry bill speaks about Vermont
03/07/2015: The Wichita Eagle: Gun rights advocates divided on bill allowing ‘permitless carry’ in Kansas
MANY OTHER STATES ARE TRYING TO BE LIKE VERMONT (We must be doing something right)!
Vermont Carry Legislation in Kansas
Mar 2, 2015: Examiner.com, The false claim that Constitutional Carry will increase harm to women
NH Constitutional Carry bill refernces the long history of Vermont's experience and low homicide rates.
The false claim that Constitutional Carry will increase harm to women
02/14/2015: Christian Science Monitor
Concealed carry without a permit: Will crime go up or down?
Concealed carry without a permit: Will crime go up or down?
2/2/2015: ARKANSAS: AR Attorney General out of office, new AG clears up controversy.AR: 'Controversy' about Constitutional Carry Over
01/28/2015: Gun Owners of Vermont represent Vermont to support bill SB 116 to enact "Vermont Carry" in New Hampshire.Bill would remove license for concealed weapons
12/11/2012: NewsLinc "Where are Your Guns?"
Anti-Gun piece from "News 7" trying to invoke fear into residents about Vermont Carry...
"Where are Your Guns?"
Anti-Gun piece from "News 7" trying to invoke fear into residents about Vermont Carry...

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Last Updated: 01/25/2024
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