Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has signed legislation that will allow most adults to carry a hidden firearm without a permit, making North Dakota one of about a dozen "constitutional carry" states.
The bill signed into law late Thursday will allow law-abiding people 18 and older to forgo background checks and classes that are now required. The legislation only requires someone carrying a concealed weapon to have a valid ID and notify law enforcement of the weapon during instances such as a traffic stop
The legislation comes into force Aug. 1.
Burgum, who is an avid hunter, urged anyone pondering carrying a concealed firearm to enroll in gun safety classes.
"Gun ownership is both a right and a responsibility," the governor said in a statement. "That responsibility begins with individuals and families."
The law sailed through both houses of the GOP-led Legislature, with dissension largely restricted to Democrats.
Supporters said the bill promotes the constitutional right to bear arms and allows protection from criminals. Critics worry it could lead to more shootings as people with less training would be carrying weapons.
Carrying a hidden firearm without a permit is currently a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Some 48,700 of North Dakota's 759,000 residents have concealed carry permits.
House Majority Leader Al Carlson, a Fargo Republican, called the approved legislation "a great day for the Second Amendment."
Carlson and others in the gun-friendly red state say they don't expect the number of people packing hidden firearms to spike.
"There will not be people with bandoleros shooting everyone on Main Street," Carlson said Friday.
The bill was among a package of gun-rights measures being considered this session, including allowing people with concealed carry permits to have guns in churches, schools and other public places. It's unclear if Burgum will also sign those into law.
North Dakota residents already can get a concealed carry permit by completing an hour-long class and passing an open-book test. The classes cost about $50. An enhanced license, that allows reciprocity with other states, requires firearms training and the open-book test.
The South Dakota Legislature this month approved a similar measure but GOP Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoed it, saying his state's gun laws are already reasonable.
a Win in North Dakota
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Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
Re: a Win in North Dakota
Byron
Still have my Concealed Permit, helps at LGS.
Re: a Win in North Dakota
Good for you. Maine went to constitutional carry last year. I did, however, keep my permit. Ours is only 25 bucks every 4 years anyway. I got it when I was 18.
I don't trust politicians and worried that once we dropped the permit system, they figured everyone would let it go. Then, they would vote the permit only carry back in with all kinds of new hoops to jump through.
I know it probably doesn't matter, but makes me feel better anyway. And, if I do need to draw my gun, being a 32yr permit holder can't hurt.
I don't trust politicians and worried that once we dropped the permit system, they figured everyone would let it go. Then, they would vote the permit only carry back in with all kinds of new hoops to jump through.
I know it probably doesn't matter, but makes me feel better anyway. And, if I do need to draw my gun, being a 32yr permit holder can't hurt.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
- AJMD429
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Re: a Win in North Dakota
You raise a good point about what the politicians could do; glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way...!OldWin wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2017 4:41 am Good for you. Maine went to constitutional carry last year. I did, however, keep my permit. Ours is only 25 bucks every 4 years anyway. I got it when I was 18.
I don't trust politicians and worried that once we dropped the permit system, they figured everyone would let it go. Then, they would vote the permit only carry back in with all kinds of new hoops to jump through.
I know it probably doesn't matter, but makes me feel better anyway. And, if I do need to draw my gun, being a 32yr permit holder can't hurt.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: a Win in North Dakota
AJMD429 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 27, 2017 5:08 amYou raise a good point about what the politicians could do; glad I'm not the only one who thinks that way...!OldWin wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2017 4:41 am Good for you. Maine went to constitutional carry last year. I did, however, keep my permit. Ours is only 25 bucks every 4 years anyway. I got it when I was 18.
I don't trust politicians and worried that once we dropped the permit system, they figured everyone would let it go. Then, they would vote the permit only carry back in with all kinds of new hoops to jump through.
I know it probably doesn't matter, but makes me feel better anyway. And, if I do need to draw my gun, being a 32yr permit holder can't hurt.
Yeah, color me dubious. I don't like being surprised. It's not that I'm a negative person.......just careful.
"Oh bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round.
Re: a Win in North Dakota
What about folks who just frequently visit North Dakota, but are not full time residents? Will they also get to carry?