Background

Summary of Federal Law

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Where guns may not be prohibited

Summary of State Law

Government Buildings & Meetings

Government-Owned Land

Private Property Open to the Public

Healthcare and Childcare Facilities

Entertainment Facilities and other large gatherings

Private Property

• New Jersey¹⁴⁵
• New York¹⁴⁶
• Hawaii¹⁴⁷

Parking Lots

Civil Liability Immunity as an Incentive to Allow Guns

• Arkansas (Immunizes property owners from civil liability for harms that result from allowing firearms on their property. Effective August 2023.)¹⁷⁶
• Idaho (Employers who allow firearms in vehicles are immune)¹⁷⁷
• Kansas (A property owner who allows concealed handguns or provides adequate signage and security to prevent the unauthorized carrying of concealed handguns is immune from liability for any wrongful act or omission relating to the use of such handguns)¹⁷⁸
• Oklahoma¹⁷⁹
• Tennessee¹⁸⁰
• Texas¹⁸¹
• West Virginia¹⁸²

Key Legislative Elements

• The features listed below are intended to provide a framework from which policy options may be considered. A jurisdiction considering new legislation should consult with counsel.
• All individuals are prohibited from carrying firearms in areas where the presence of guns is particularly dangerous or likely to have the effect of chilling free expression and free speech, such as in polling places, hospitals, government meetings, and courthouses.
• Resist the expansion of, or repeal, laws that require property owners to allow guns on privately-owned properties or that waive civil liability for property owners as an incentive to allow guns on private property.

1. Louis Klarevas, Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings (Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books, 2016).[↩]
2. Paul M. Reeping et al., “Gun-free zones and active shootings in the United States: a matched case-control study.” The Lancet Regional Health–Americas 37 (2024).[↩]
3. 18 USC § 930(a), (g)(1). The prohibition does not extend to “the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.” § 930(d); see alsohttps://www.dhs.gov/faq-regarding-items-prohibited-federal-property.[↩]
4. 39 CFR § 232.1; Bonidy v. United States Postal Serv., 790 F.3d 1121.[↩]
5. 49 CFR §§ 1540.111, 1540.5.[↩]
6. 49 USC § 46505.[↩]
7. 40 USC § 5104(e)(1)(A).[↩]
8. 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(A).[↩][↩]
9. 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(25)-(26).[↩]
10. 48 Fed. Reg. 30, 252 (June 30, 1983), codified at 36 C.F.R. § 2.4(a)(2) and 49 Fed. Reg. 18,444 (April 30, 1984), codified at 50 C.F.R. § 27.42(e).[↩]
11. 73 Fed. Reg. 74,966, 74,972 (Dec. 10, 2008), amending 36 C.F.R. § 2.4, 50 C.F.R. § 27.42.[↩]
12. Ala. Code § 13A-11-61.2(a)(4). This prohibition includes the District Attorney office building.[↩]
13. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 5-73-122 (a)(3)(D);Ark. Code. Ann. §5-73-306 (contains exceptions for those who are employed by the county, are a countywide elected official, or a justice of the peace.).[↩]
14. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220(a)(4)(B).[↩]
15. Cal. Penal Code §§ 171b, 26350, 25850, 26400(a).[↩]
16. Cal. Penal Code §§ 26350, 25850.[↩]
17. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-35.[↩][↩][↩][↩][↩][↩][↩][↩]
18. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-35.[↩]
19. D.C. Code Ann. § 22-4504.[↩][↩][↩][↩][↩]
20. D.C. Code § 22-4504.01.[↩]
21. Fla. Stat. § 790.06(12).[↩]
22. Fla. Stat. § 790.053(1).[↩][↩][↩]
23. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127(b).[↩]
24. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. 134-9.1(1).[↩]
25. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302C.[↩]
26. 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 66/65.[↩]
27. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(10).[↩][↩][↩][↩][↩]
28. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6309(a)(5).[↩]
29. Id. at (d)(4).[↩]
30. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 237.110(16).[↩][↩]
31. Id. (“Any courthouse, solely occupied by the Court of Justice courtroom or court proceeding.”).[↩]
32. La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(N).[↩]
33. Me. Rev. Stat., tit. 17-A, § 1058(1), (2).[↩]
34. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.234d(1)(c), (2)(c).[↩]
35. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1g(a).[↩]
36. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-9-101(13), 97-37-7(2).[↩]
37. Enhanced CCW permittees can carry in courthouses during proceedings. Judges may also carry and determine who else may do so in their courtroom. Id.[↩]
38. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(4).[↩]
39. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-356.[↩]
40. N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 159:19(I).[↩]
41. N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4.6.[↩]
42. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 29-19-11.[↩]
43. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1202.01.[↩]
44. Nev. Admin. Code § 202.020(1)(3).[↩]
45. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e(2)(a).[↩]
46. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-415.11(c)(2), § 14-269.4.[↩]
47. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2923.123; 2923.126(B)(3).[↩]
48. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21 § 1277(A)(2).[↩]
49. Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.370(2), (3)(g).[↩]
50. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 913.[↩]
51. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20.[↩][↩][↩]
52. Long guns are not included within the definition of “concealable weapon” under S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-210 (“Firearm[s] having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that may be carried openly on one’s person or in a manner hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.”).[↩]
53. 2021 S.C. H.B. 3094.[↩]
54. S.D. Codified Laws § 22-14-23.[↩]
55. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1306(a).[↩]
56. Tex. Penal Code § 46.03 (a)(3).[↩]
57. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4016(b).[↩]
58. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-283.1.[↩]
59. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.300(1)(b).[↩]
60. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a(g)(1).[↩]
61. Wis. Stat. § 175.60(16)(a)(6)-(7).[↩]
62. Wyo. Stat. § 6-5-209.[↩]
63. Cal. Penal Code §§ 26350, 25850, 26230(a), 26400(a).[↩][↩][↩]
64. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.053.[↩][↩][↩][↩][↩]
65. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(9).[↩][↩]
66. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e(2)(d).[↩][↩]
67. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21 § 1277(E). This applies to parks that are managed by public trust or a nonprofit entity.[↩]
68. 11-47-51. Limited.[↩][↩]
69. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 4313. Hunting is exempt. Unloaded weapons stored in temporary lodging or conveyance are exempt when stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.[↩]
70. Me. Stat., 17-A § 1057.[↩]
71. Minn. Stat. § 97A.091, subd.1(1). Does not apply to unloaded firearms that are broken down or stored in a case. When allowed by the commissioner, firearms used for hunting are exempt from this prohibition.[↩]
72. N.M. Code R. § 19.5.2.21. Exceptions to the general prohibition include: Licensed hunters during hunting season in designated areas and firearms carried in a private means of conveyance for lawful protection.[↩]
73. 17 Pa. Code § 11.215(4).[↩]
74. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1311[↩]
75. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.4[↩]
76. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220(a)(2).[↩]
77. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-306(11). Arkansas also bans weapons in establishments that sell alcohol for consumption off premises Ark. Code Ann. § 3-4-403(21).[↩]
78. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 4-229(A), 4-244(29)-(30).[↩]
79. Cal. Penal Code §§ 26230, 26350, 25850, 26400(a).[↩]
80. D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2509.07(a)(7).[↩]
81. D.C. Code Ann. § 22-4504(a).[↩][↩][↩]
82. Fla. Stat. § 790.06(12)(a)(12).[↩]
83. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(4).[↩]
84. 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. 66/65(a)(9), 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(10).[↩]
85. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-111(e).[↩][↩]
86. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 244.125(1). This restriction does not apply in restaurants that seat at least 50 and earn at least 50% of their income from food.[↩]
87. La. Rev. Stat. § 14:95.5. CCW permittees may only carry in restaurants with a class A restaurant permit.[↩]
88. Me. Stat., 17-A § 1057(1).[↩]
89. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 28.425o(1), 750.234d.[↩]
90. Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(13). This prohibition applies to areas within an establishment which are primarily devoted to the service of alcohol.[↩]
91. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(7). Concealed carry permit holders are exempt from this prohibition in restaurants that can seat at least 50, and earn at least 51% of their income from food.[↩]
92. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-328[↩]
93. N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4.6(15).[↩]
94. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-3(A).[↩]
95. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e(2)(0).[↩]
96. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 69-2441.[↩][↩][↩]
97. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.3.[↩]
98. N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-04.[↩]
99. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2923.121(B)(1)(e), 2923.126(B)(4).[↩]
100. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, § 1272.1; 2021 OK HB 646. Oklahoma amended its law in 2021, effective November 1, 2021, to repeal provisions that previously generally restricted people without valid handgun licenses from carrying firearms in any establishment where alcoholic beverages are consumed. The law passed in 2021 affirmatively states that it is lawful for a person to carry or possess firearms, whether openly or concealed, in any restaurant or other establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages where the sale of alcoholic beverages does not constitute the primary purpose of the business, although the law also states that it shall not be interpreted to authorize any person in actual physical possession of a weapon to consume alcoholic beverages in such an establishment.
     
     The new law prohibits people from carrying or possessing a firearm in any establishment where the sale of alcoholic beverages constitutes the primary purpose of the business, unless they are the owner or proprietor of the establishment or are an employee who has permission from the owner or proprietor to carry or possess a weapon in the scope and course of their employment.[↩]
101. In 2025, the legislature passed House bill 1218 repealing S.D. Codified Laws § 23-7-70, which had prohibited firearms in bars, but private owners can still individually prevent. [↩]
102. Tex. Penal Code §§ 46.03(a)(7); 46.035(b)(1). Texas law generally prohibits people from carrying firearms of any type on the premises of a bar or restaurant that has a liquor license, if the business makes at least 51% of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. Texas generally prohibits open carry of handguns in public spaces as well, unless the handgun is carried in a holster; open carry of long guns is generally permitted, subject to the restriction on firearms in liquor establishments that derive at least 51% of their income from on-beverage alcohol consumption.[↩]
103. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.300(1).[↩]
104. Wis. Stat. § 941.237(2).[↩]
105. Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)(vii).The prohibition applies to areas of establishments primarily devoted to dispensing alcohol.[↩]
106. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220(a)(4)(A). Firearms enclosed in the trunk of or in a closed container contained within a motor vehicle are exempt if the person in possession of the firearm(s) is 21 or over.[↩]
107. D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2509.07(a)(2).[↩]
108. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(8).[↩][↩]
109. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. §§ 28.425o(1), 750.234d(1). [↩]
110. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(11). Operators of childcare facilities in a family home are exempt.[↩]
111. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 202.3673, 202.265. The owners of childcare facilities are exempt if they reside in the home and follow all applicable firearms laws.[↩]
112. N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4.6(8).[↩]
113. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e(2)(e).[↩][↩][↩]
114. Va. CodeAnn. § 18.2-308.1 .[↩]
115. Cal. Penal Code §§ 26350, 25850, 26230(a), 26400(a).[↩][↩]
116. 465 Ind. Admin. Code 2-9-80(b)(3), 2-10-79(b)(3) , 2-11-80(b)(3), 2-12-78(b)(3), 2-13-77(b)(3).[↩]
117. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 28.425o(1)(b).[↩]
118. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(2).[↩]
119. 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. 66/65(a)(7).[↩]
120. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. §§ 28.425o(1), 750.234d(1) .[↩]
121. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1 (17). Firearms are allowed in vehicles on premises.[↩]
122. 2021 HB 102, amending Title 45, Chapter 8, Part 3.[↩]
123. N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4.6(21).[↩]
124. Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.370.[↩]
125. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20[↩]
126. Tex. Penal Code §§ 46.03(a)(11); 46.035(b)(4).[↩]
127. 13 V.S.A. § 4023 (added by 2022 VT SB 4).[↩]
128. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, “Armed Assembly: Guns, Demonstrations, and Political Violence in America,” Aug. 23, 2021, https://everytownresearch.org/report/armed-assembly-guns-demonstrations-and-political-violence-in-america/.[↩]
129. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 70.108.150.[↩]
130. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(15).[↩]
131. Ala. Code § 13A-11-61.2(a)(5),(6).[↩]
132. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-306.[↩]
133. D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2509.07(8).[↩]
134. Fla. Stat. § 790.06(9).[↩]
135. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.1(5).[↩]
136. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(8), A more specific prohibition on carrying firearms in stadiums and at athletic events applies to concealed carry permittees: 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. 66/65 (a)(17).[↩]
137. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. §§ 750.234d(1), 28.425o(1)(c). The section restricting concealed carry prohibits only concealed handguns. An additional restriction in this section prohibits concealed handguns at ‘entertainment facilities’ with a capacity of at least 2,500.[↩]
138. Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(13).[↩]
139. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(16). Firearms stored in vehicles are exempt.[↩]
140. N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4.6(11),(17).[↩]
141. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-e(2)(p).[↩]
142. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21 § 1277(A)(4).[↩]
143. Tex. Penal Code §§ 46.03(a)(8); 46.035(b)(2).[↩]
144. Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-105).[↩]
145. N.J. Stat. Ann. § C.2C:58-4.6(24).[↩]
146. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-d(1[↩]
147. Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-9.5.[↩]
148. N.Y. Penal Law § 265.01-d; Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-411(d).[↩]
149. See, Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 69-2441(2).[↩]
150. Ala. Code § 13A-11-90(b).[↩]
151. Alaska Stat. § 18.65.800(a).[↩]
152. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-781(A).[↩]
153. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-306(18)(B); 11-5-117.[↩]
154. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.251(4)(a).[↩]
155. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-135(b).[↩]
156. 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 66/65(a-10), (b).[↩]
157. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-2-1(d)(2).[↩]
158. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c10(b)(1).[↩]
159. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 237.106(1).[↩]
160. La. Rev. Stat. §§ 32:292.1(A), (B), (C). If possession of a firearm on the property is otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, then firearms are still prohibited in parking lots. Private parking lots can restrict gun in cars if they restrict general access to the parking lot and provide other alternatives for firearm storage or parking.[↩]
161. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 26, § 600(1).[↩]
162. Minn. Stat. §§ 624.714, subd. 17(c), (d).[↩]
163. Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-55(1), (2).[↩]
164. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.030(6).[↩]
165. Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 69-2441(3). Does not apply in parking areas for zones where carrying a gun is federally prohibited.[↩]
166. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-269.2(k), 14-269.4(6).[↩]
167. N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-02-13(1)(a).[↩]
168. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 2923.1210(A).[↩]
169. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, §§ 1290.22(B), 1277(B).[↩]
170. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1313, 50-1-312(b).[↩]
171. Tex. Lab. Code § 52.061. See also, Tex. Educ. Code § 37.0815.[↩]
172. Utah Code Ann. § 34-45-103. Firearms can be prohibited in parking areas if the proprietor provides gun storage or an alternative parking location within a reasonable distance.[↩]
173. Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-915(A).[↩]
174. W. Va. Code §§ 8-12-5a(c)(3), 61-7-14(d).[↩]
175. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m)(c).[↩]
176. Ark. Code Ann. § 16-131-104.[↩]
177. Idaho Code § 5-341.[↩]
178. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c10(c).[↩]
179. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1290.22(F).[↩]
180. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1325.[↩]
181. Tex. Lab. Code § 52.063.[↩]
182. W. Va. Code § 61-7-14.[↩]