hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Prevents states from limiting public carry of firearms.
Sen. Lee (R-UT) introduced this bill.
In committee, no Senate vote yet.
This bill, introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), aims to stop states and local governments from creating laws that prevent or penalize eligible citizens from carrying firearms in public. It seeks to enforce the Second Amendment right to bear arms nationwide by making conflicting state laws invalid. The bill is currently with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must approve it before it can be considered by the full Senate.
Introduced Mar 5, 2026
Senator Lee introduced this bill in the Senate on March 5, 2026, and it was sent to the Committee on the Judiciary. For the bill to become law, it must pass the Senate, then the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President. It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
If this bill passes, any state or local laws that currently criminalize, penalize, or discourage the public carrying of firearms by eligible citizens would no longer be valid. This means you would generally be allowed to carry a firearm in public places, even if your state currently has restrictions. However, privately owned places could still prohibit firearms on their premises if they clearly post a notice.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it enforces constitutional rights for public firearm carry nationwide.
Critics Say
Critics might contend that states should maintain their ability to regulate public firearm carrying for public safety.
The bill's findings section emphasizes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to carry arms in public, and the Fourteenth Amendment makes this applicable to all states. Supporters would likely echo these findings, asserting that current state restrictions infringe upon these constitutional rights. Those who might oppose the bill would likely argue for states' rights to enact their own gun control laws, potentially citing concerns for public safety or local governance.