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What is reciprocity?

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USCCAUploaded on Jan 14, 2019The USCCA’s mission is to Educate 10 Million Gun Owners, Legally Protect 1 Million USCCA Members, Stop 20,000 Crimes, and Save 1,000 Lives. Like and share these educational and informative videos. Together we can Save Lives. Ready to join our mission? You can activate your membership in less than 5 minutes and be protected by the full power of the USCCA Self-Defense SHIELD:

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“He’s Got a Gun!” — What to Do If Someone Sees Your Concealed Carry Gun

Tom McHale — April 15, 2019There you are, minding your own business while perusing the latest issue of Hamster Cosmetology Quarterly at your local bookstore. Suddenly, you hear someone shout, “He’s got a gun!” Looking around to identify the danger, you realize that everyone in the teen fiction department is looking right at … you. Unknowingly, your shirt rode up over the grip of your handgun, which you dutifully carry in a quality inside-the-waistband holster. Now you’re the center of attention and perceived as a dangerous threat to humanity — at least to those who are in the store.

This scenario can and does happen. It might be at a bookstore, coffee shop, big-box store, movie theater, restaurant, public bathroom or on the street. Once I looked out my car window and saw a guy riding his motorcycle down the highway, blissfully unaware that his entire handgun was exposed as his shirt and jacket blew in the wind.

Know that no matter how careful you are, it’s possible that someone may “out” you. What should you do if someone sees your concealed carry gun?

Be Calm

Before we get into any specifics, the most crucial part of your response plan is to remain calm. Freaking out, shouting at the “outer” to mind his or her own business or running away are all terrible ideas. You are innocent. You are not a threat to anyone. It's critical that you act that way and project that image. Especially in the worst-case scenario, when someone screams or calls for police, you need to choose the high road and take whatever actions you can to de-escalate panic.

The rest of your responses depend on the specific situation. In some states, an accidental glimpse of your firearm is an enormous deal. In other places, it’s not so much a legal issue as one of mitigating fear and uncertainty for those around you. Here are strategies to consider.

The Law

One of the most significant responsibilities that concealed carriers must face is knowing the law — in advance. It’s up to you to know what your state (or local) government has to say about the concept of brandishing. While we may think of brandishing as waving around a weapon like the bad guys in cheesy pirate movies, it can be interpreted as showing your gun inadvertently, even if it’s not in your hand. As ridiculous as it may sound, someone spotting you by seeing the outline of a handgun under your shirt — printing — or when your cover garment rides up to show a part of the firearm can be construed as brandishing. Yes, this is extreme and not at all fair, but if you live in a place decidedly unfriendly to concealed carry, it may be your reality.

So, step one is to know your laws and act accordingly. If it’s strict where you live in terms of penalties for your gun being visible, be careful. Really careful. Choose your carry method and covering strategy wisely.

Nearby Observers

In a low-key encounter, you might be able to diffuse the situation by calmly stating something to the effect of “It’s OK, I have a concealed carry permit” as you re-conceal your firearm.

What you don’t want to do is run, sneak away or cop an attitude. Glaring at bystanders and telling them something like, “The Second Amendment is my permit, idiots! Don’t be such snowflakes!” probably isn’t a great strategy. You’re much better off being polite and nonchalant about the whole thing. People take cues from others. If folks are panicking, others will panic too. If those nearby (and you) are calm, so will they be.

Business Owners or Managers

If the person who “outed you” has already approached employees or management of the business, you’ll want to proactively address whoever is in charge. It’s important to be calm and professional as you tell them you’re a concealed carry permit holder.

This is another area where knowledge of your state laws matters. In most states, a business can decide whether it will allow weapons on its property. Even if there is no sign posted, the company still may have the right to ask you to leave. If that happens, just go quietly. If there is a sign posted, it’s possible you’ve violated the law. Depending on your state, the consequences may be a simple trespass notification … or a felony that can result in revocation of your permit and even jail time. Be careful.

The Police and … 911?

If you get caught in a worst-case scenario implied by the title of this article, where someone is shouting and calling store security or 911 to report you, then you might consider a more proactive response. In this case, you may have already lost the ability to quietly explain that you’re a licensed concealed carry permit holder.

When police are involved, they arrive on the scene not (yet) knowing the facts. Everyone is suspect, guilty and innocent all at the same time until the details are sorted out. As a result, the person who “reports” an incident may hold the opening hand. If someone sees you and calls 911 saying that “some guy is waving a gun around and threatening people,” that’s the assumption that officers will have as they arrive. That you were simply going about your business won’t be known until much later.

In such cases where there is an overreaction, it might behoove you to place your own call to law enforcement to start filling in the picture of what really happened. We can't provide specific advice on every possible situation, but what we can say is that information supplied to responding authorities calmly and factually can go a long way to prevent a potentially dangerous overreaction.

Whatever the situation, it's important to remain calm and rational. Someone who sees your gun may be terrified. Whether you think that's a ridiculous response or not isn't relevant. What is relevant is that you act polite and professional. You know, like a law-abiding citizen would.

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South Carolina Gun Laws: What You Need to Know

USCCA - 04/29/2019 As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it can be to stay up to date on ever-changing gun laws…

South Carolina gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked South Carolina firearms questions. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding South Carolina gun laws.

Is It Legal to Carry a Concealed Weapon in South Carolina?

Yes. Concealed carry is legal with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. Currently, South Carolina honors permits from 25 states.

Do You Have to Register a Gun in South Carolina?

No. South Carolina has no law requiring residents to register firearms.

Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in South Carolina?

No. There is no waiting period to purchase a gun in South Carolina. However, when purchasing a firearm from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, the dealer must perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NICS checks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. If a determination is not obtained within three business days, then the dealer may legally complete the transfer.

Is South Carolina a Stand Your Ground State?

Yes, South Carolina has a “stand your ground” statute. A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in a place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat. He or she has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force. This applies only if he or she reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself, or another person, as well as to prevent the commission of a violent crime. This protection applies in a person’s home, business, vehicle and in public (such as on a sidewalk or at the mall).

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Concealed Weapons Permit & How Long Does It Take to Get a Gun Permit in South Carolina?

An initial South Carolina CWP costs $50. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is allowed 90 days to process complete applications. The South Carolina concealed carry permit renewal fee is $50.

Can I Carry a Loaded Gun in My Car in South Carolina?

Yes. You may transport a loaded gun in your car with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors only. Without a permit, the firearm must be secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console or closed trunk.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Background Check for a Gun in South Carolina?

FFL dealers submit background checks to NICS for firearms purchases in South Carolina. NICS checks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. If a determination is not obtained within three business days, the dealer may legally complete the firearms transfer.

Ready to Learn More About South Carolina Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about South Carolina’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the South Carolina gun laws page now…



The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

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During UNC Charlotte Shooting, a Hero Emerged...
BY TIM SCHMIDT - USCCA FOUNDER





As students were attending the last day of classes at UNC Charlotte this past Tuesday, the nerves and excitement that usually accompany upcoming final exams and graduation quickly turned to terror. Sadly, a 22-year-old opened fire in a classroom at the Kennedy building on campus, killing two students and injuring four others.

But I don't want to waste time or space talking about the evil monster who perpetrated such an act.

I want to talk about Riley Howell.

You see, amongst the chaos, a hero emerged.

According to Fox 6, "When a gunman walked into his classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus, Riley Howell rushed toward him, police and Howell's family said. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Kerr Putney said Howell ran at the gunman and knocked him off his feet — something that eventually helped police arrest the suspect. 'He's an athletically built young man and he took the fight to the assailant,' Putney said. 'Unfortunately, he had to give his life to do so, but he saved lives doing so.'"

You've heard me mention more than a time or two the power of brave men and women who are willing to run toward danger rather than away from it.

Clearly, Riley Howell was exactly that type of person.

As reported in Fox 6, "Howell, who was the 'first and foremost hero' on Tuesday, 'did exactly what law enforcement recommend people do in an active shooter situation,' Putney said. 'You're either going to run, you're going to hide and shield, or you're going to take the fight to the assailant. Having no place to run or hide, he did the last,' he said."

It's clear Howell saved lives in his final act, as noted by Chief Putney's comments in The New York Times:

"But for his work, the assailant may not have been disarmed. [Howell's] sacrifice saved lives," he said.

Also according to The New York Times , "Howell had considered a career in the military or firefighting before enrolling at the university, where he was an environmental studies student. In a statement, his parents said he was a fearless athlete with a sturdy frame who relished a challenge. 'Once committed to something,' they said, 'he never gave up, never gave in and gave everything he had.'"

Tristan Field was also in the classroom when the violence broke out and was among those who ran away, The New York Times reported: "In a tweet after the ordeal, he tried to process what had happened. 'Why here?' he wrote. 'Why today? Why UNC Charlotte? Why my classroom? What did we do?'"

I can't answer those questions, and I certainly don't know why a deranged madman perpetrated such evil on a group of innocent people.

But one thing I know for sure is that one incredible young man showed unmatched courage when he chose to fight back. And that, as far as I'm concerned, is the most important thing to hold onto in the days ahead.

My thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, and the students and staff at UNC Charlotte.

Take Care and Stay Safe,









Tim Schmidt
Publisher - Concealed Carry Report
USCCA Founder

P.S. - If you haven't already, it's not too late to get your tickets for the 2019 USCCA Concealed Carry Expo in Pittsburgh (May 17-19)! Pre-register now and claim your FREE Expo T-shirt!

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What Happens If I’m Carrying in a Gun-Free Zone?

USCCA - 04/27/2019

What Happens If I Defend Myself With My Gun in a Gun-Free Zone?

The simple answer is that anytime you are carrying your gun concealed in a place that you should not be carrying that weapon, you are opening yourself up to legal consequences.


When it comes to defending yourself with your firearm in a gun-free zone, you will be dealing with the legal consequences of not only using a firearm in self-defense but also the penalties of carrying that gun somewhere that you shouldn’t have been.

You and your family will need to deal with the effects of your actions one way or the other, and that is something that you need to think about ahead of time as a responsibly armed American.

About Attorney Tom Grieve, Grieve Law

Attorney Tom Grieve is a highly awarded former state prosecutor who started Grieve Law, LLC, which is now one of the largest criminal defense firms in Wisconsin. He is respected as one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state and has developed a nuanced understanding of Wisconsin firearms laws throughout his years of experience. Although Tom’s legal background speaks for itself, he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, receiving his certification as a firearms instructor, participating as a regular speaker and panelist with the USCCA for live broadcasts, training videos and national expos, and even serving as a speaker and analyst on numerous radio stations, television stations, and both college and law school campuses.

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What Is a Duty to Retreat Law?

USCCA - 05/04/2019



Different states have different laws about when you can and cannot use deadly force in self-defense. Some states may have a “duty to retreat” law. This law questions whether you have exhausted all possible avenues of retreat as legally required.

In their most extreme form, “duty to retreat” laws state that an individual who is under threat of deadly force must make a reasonable effort to avoid confrontation. This could be de-escalation or an attempt to leave the area in which the threat is occurring.

To learn more about which states impose laws related to the duty to retreat as well as learn more about other important self-defense terminology, check out the USCCA’s Terminology Guide.

If you are looking for detailed state-by-state information about gun laws and concealed carry reciprocity, check out the USCCA’s Gun Laws by State tool.

About Tom Grieve, Grieve Law

Tom Grieve is one of the most respected criminal defense lawyers in Wisconsin. A highly awarded former prosecutor, he started Grieve Law, LLC, which is one of the top criminal defense firms in the state. He developed a nuanced knowledge of Wisconsin firearms law. Tom has also received his certification as a firearms instructor and participates as a speaker and panelist with the USCCA for live broadcasts, national expos and training videos. He is even serving as a speaker and analyst on numerous TV and radio stations as well as on college and law school campuses.

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are continually changing and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer for a specific case.

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Michigan Gun Laws: What You Need to Know

USCCA - 05/06/2019
As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it can be to stay up to date on Michigan gun laws…

Michigan gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked Michigan firearms questions. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding your state’s gun laws.

Can You Carry a Loaded Gun in Your Car in Michigan?

Handguns may only be carried with a valid concealed pistol license. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and enclosed in a case, inaccessible from the interior of the vehicle or carried in the trunk.

Do You Need a Concealed Carry Permit to Carry in Michigan?

Concealed carry is legal with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for any individual who has a CCW license/permit issued by his or her home state. A Michigan resident may only carry a handgun registered to him or her.

Is It Legal to Open Carry in Michigan?

A Michigan resident can open carry without a permit. A non-resident must have a permit from his or her home state in order to openly carry.

Is Michigan a Stand Your Ground State?

Michigan is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person may use deadly force and has no duty to retreat. The individual must have an honest and reasonable belief that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault to himself or herself or another individual. Any person who uses a gun legitimately in self-defense has immunity from civil liability.

How Long Is a Michigan CPL Certificate Good For?

A Michigan CPL is valid for approximately five years. A concealed carry permit expires on the licensee’s birthdate — between four and five years from date of original issue.

How Much Is a CCW License in Michigan?

A new Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) costs $100. The renewal fee is $115.

Do I Need to Register My Gun in Michigan?

Long guns (rifles and shotguns) do not need to be registered in Michigan. However, some handgun sales must be registered with local law enforcement. You must acquire a License to Purchase prior to acquiring a pistol. The acquisition can be through purchase, gift or inheritance. A License to Purchase is not needed for anyone with a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License or for firearms dealers purchasing from wholesalers (among others). Someone with a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License must, however, complete a Pistol Sales Record when buying a pistol.

Ready to Learn More About Michigan Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a Michigan gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Michigan’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Michigan gun laws page now…



The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

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Gun Law News: May 5, 2019

USCCA - 05/05/2019

Florida…

• Associated Press: Florida House Bill Allows Guns in Religious Institutions

A measure to allow guns in Florida religious institutions passed the House 79-35 on April 25. The bill, sponsored by Eric Grall of Vero Beach, will move on to the Senate, where similar legislation is pending. According to Grall, the bill will permit a church, synagogue or other religious institution to authorize carrying a concealed firearm by a licensed person. This would incorporate property the institution owns, leases or otherwise uses, including schools.

Indiana…

• WXIN (Fox-Indianapolis, IN): Holcomb Signs Bill Allowing Guns at Indiana Churches With Schools on Property

Following the shootings at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, a mosque in New Zealand and churches in Texas and South Carolina, debate has risen about how to protect our churches. If a church has a school or day care on its property, should anyone be allowed to bring a gun in to defend themselves? Legislation has made it through the House and is now on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk that, if signed into law, could leave churches with a big decision.

Missouri…

• Missouri News Network: Campus Concealed Carry Inches Toward Law With House Approval

Legislation allowing teachers, students and staff to carry concealed firearms on college campuses was given final approval by the Missouri House on April 22. House Bill 575, sponsored by Rep. Dean Dohrman (R, La Monte), will move on to the Senate. The bill began as a way to allow universities to designate faculty and staff as campus-protection officers. These officers, following certification, would be allowed to carry concealed on campuses. The bill has since been amended with three provisions: to allow concealed carry on public university campuses, to include a prohibition against requiring students to live on campus and to create a “STEM Studies Enhancement Program” scholarship.

Ohio…

• The Marietta Times: Warren to Vote on Resolution to Arm Teachers

The school districts of Washington County are considering responses to school shootings, as 2018 had a record number of shooting incidents on school property. A proposed resolution will be presented to the board at its monthly meeting in May, according to Warren Local Schools Superintendent Kyle Newton. This would start the process of allowing teachers to carry concealed guns at school. The board will have to pass a resolution to begin the process, but district policy does not need to change to allow it.

Stay up to date with ever-changing gun laws by visiting the USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity and Gun Laws by State Map!

About the USCCA

The United States Concealed Carry Association, headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, is the largest and fastest-growing association with the sole focus of educating responsibly armed Americans. Since 2003, the USCCA has proudly supported a community of hundreds of thousands of patriots, providing self-defense education, training and legal protection. With its flagship publication Concealed Carry Magazine, the USCCA has more than 300,000 members and 2 million newsletter subscribers.

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Concealed Carry News: May 1, 2019

Tim Schmidt - 05/01/2019
Friends:

A growing number of states are now considering enacting an array of dangerous gun-control laws known as “red flag” laws. These Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) threaten Americans’ Second Amendment rights by seeking to strip law-abiding citizens of their guns without due process. Here at the USCCA, we believe that ERPOs, or so-called “red flag” laws, are the wrong approach. These laws make it far too easy for people with personal vendettas or bad intentions to strip law-abiding, responsibly armed Americans of their right to self-defense for no reason.

Conflict of Duty in Colorado

Unfortunately, despite vocal opposition from half of the state’s county governments, Colorado recently became the latest state to pass a “red flag” bill into law. Under the law, after a complaint is made, a judge will hold a hearing without the gun owner being present to determine whether or not to issue the order for up to 14 days. The order could be extended for as long as one year.

This is a clear violation of not only one’s Second Amendment rights but also one’s Fourth Amendment right to due process — and sheriffs in Colorado agree. At least 10 sheriffs have said they would not enforce the law.

“If a judge issues an order saying a person can’t possess weapons and also compels law enforcement to perform a search warrant to seek out those guns, I believe that’s a violation of a person’s constitutional rights … I have a hard choice at that point,” Sheriff Steve Reams of Weld County said. “I can potentially violate someone’s constitutional rights. Or I can violate a court order. I would rather be on the side of violating a court order than someone’s rights.”

Nearly three dozen Colorado counties have passed resolutions saying they would not enforce the legislation.

ERPOs Around the Nation

“Red flag” laws are also under consideration in several other states, including in Alabama and Pennsylvania. Luckily, many counties across the country are passing resolutions to make themselves “sanctuary counties” that refuse to enforce these unconstitutional laws.

These laws are nothing but an anti-freedom tactic, promoted by the anti-gun lobby, to seize guns. The USCCA remains committed to opposing such unconstitutional efforts on state and federal levels.

Lastly, in case you missed it, I appeared on this past week to discuss how our members are prepared to defend themselves in active shooting situations.

Quote of the Week

• “I know several people who have gone to worship who had no idea they were committing a felony. To me, it’s concerning because it makes any house of worship that happens to have a school an incredibly soft target. It leaves you pretty vulnerable.” -Church Operations Director Ron Davault on why Indiana should pass legislation allowing people to carry guns into churches (WXIN Fox-Indianapolis, IN)

Data Point You Should Know

• Ten states have now passed “red flag” legislation in the last year. (The Washington Post)

About Tim Schmidt

Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the USCCA, received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech University. After working for a medical equipment company and then a computer hardware company, Tim started his first successful business, Schmidt Engineering, in 1997. In 2003, Tim Schmidt and Tonnie Schmidt began publishing Concealed Carry Magazine, a self-defense magazine that focuses on responsible firearms ownership. The magazine grew into a national association providing self-defense education, training and legal protection to more than 300,000 members. Tim enjoys boxing, running, reading, shooting and riding motorcycles.

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Gun Law News: April 14, 2019

USCCA - 04/14/2019

Florida…

• WEAR-TV (ABC-Pensacola, FL): First Responders Could Carry Guns on the Job if Bill Passes

In an emergency, first responders often put their own lives on the line attempting to save others. House Bill 487 seeks to reduce that risk by allowing paramedics and other medical professionals to carry guns when responding to high-risk incidents. This would include instances such as hostage standoffs, drug raids, high-risk felony warrant services and active shooter situations. Harry Marsh thinks passing legislation such as this would help keep first responders safe. “I don’t have any problem with it. I think what they respond to sometimes, their life is in danger too. For them to have guns, I’m not against it,” said Marsh. “I’m 100 percent for paramedics and anyone else carrying guns due to the craziness of our society,” added Kim Johnson.

Idaho…

• Idaho Press: Little Signs 18-Year-Olds Permitless Concealed Carry Bill for Idaho Cities

According to The Associated Press, Republican Gov. Brad Little passed legislation to change the minimum age for carrying a concealed handgun within city limits without a permit or training. The age requirement was lowered from 21 to 18. Backers say the statute, approved April 2, will align gun laws in urban areas with rural areas. The change will protect law-abiding citizens from accidentally breaking the law when they travel across a county and enter city limits, according to its supporters. Opponents say there’s a big difference between rural Idaho and urban Idaho. The higher age restriction is reasonable, according to opponents, to prevent accidental shootings and shootings from altercations. Currently, those under 21 can only carry a concealed firearm within city limits if they obtain a concealed weapons permit, which requires training.

Kansas…

• The Associated Press: Kansas House Votes to Keep Campus Concealed Carry

On March 28, Lawrence Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard offered an amendment to an unrelated gun bill attempting to add college campuses to a list of places exempt from the state’s concealed carry law, according to Lawrence Journal-World. Unless there is adequate security to prevent carry of a weapon, the law requires that most government-owned buildings allow concealed carry. Ballard reasoned that some parents have decided to send their children to out-of-state or private institutions instead of the University of Kansas in Lawrence because campus allows concealed carry of firearms. Ballard’s amendment failed on a 43-75 vote.

Missouri…

• The Associated Press: Campus Concealed Carry Bill Advances in Missouri House

A bill that has made it through first-round approval in the Missouri House would allow concealed carry on college campuses. The measure, added to a bill allowing faculty and staff to carry as designated campus security officers, advanced with a 98-42 vote, according to The Columbia Missourian. Supporters say it would help people protect themselves from threats and sexual assault. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Jered Taylor, says college campuses have seen an increase in sexual assaults.

Nebraska…

• Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise: Blair City Council Lifts Open-Carry Restrictions

The Blair City Council voted March 26 to allow people to openly carry handguns and firearms in most areas of the city with no questions or concerns addressed by the council members. Council member Brad Andersen requested to suspend the rules requiring three separate readings after it passed the second reading. After publishing a public notice, Ordinance 2337 went into effect April 12. The new ordinance lifts restrictions from a previous city ordinance that made it unlawful for any person, except authorized law enforcement or a private security guard registered with the chief of police, from openly possessing, carrying or transporting rifles, shotguns and handguns in the city.

North Carolina…

• The Mount Airy News: County Repeals Gun Restrictions

The Surry County Board of Commissioners voted to repeal Chapter 133 of the Code of Ordinances on firearm restrictions when county attorney Ed Woltz informed the board that it does appear to go further than state laws allow. However, he added, the board could choose to pass a new ordinance that does comply with state ordinance. Mark Jones, chairman of the Surry County Republican Party, brought the issue to the commissioners’ attention. Gun-rights activists across the state have been looking at county laws, seeking protection of gun rights. Wilkes, Stokes and Forsyth, among others, have already repealed their ordinances after it was pointed out that they were contrary to state law, according to Jones.

Ohio…

• Cleveland.com: Ohio Is Closer Than Ever to Allowing Concealed Weapons Without a Permit, Supporters Say

Gun-rights advocates in Ohio are optimistic that the state will soon no longer require a license to carry a hidden handgun or other deadly weapons. House Bill 174, legislation to abolish the state’s concealed carry license and training requirements, is being co-sponsored by almost half of all Ohio House Republicans. It would also expand the list of concealed weapons to include rifles and shotguns. In addition, the bill would repeal an Ohio law requiring motorists to notify law enforcement they are carrying a gun during a traffic stop. Similar legislation has been introduced during every Ohio legislative session for at least two decades, but all of those attempts went nowhere. The difference now is that Gov. Mike DeWine, unlike his recent predecessors, is expected to sign the bill if it passes the Republican-dominated Ohio General Assembly.

Texas…

• Dallas Observer: Texas Senate Votes to Loosen Rules for Gun-Toting School Marshals

Teachers are one step closer to having guns on their hips after the Texas Senate voted 28-3 April 3 to end a gun-storage requirement. Previously, all firearms belonging to members of the state’s school marshal program needed to be kept in a locked box. It is imperative for school staff authorized to have their guns in schools to be able to use them, said Sen. Brian Birdwell, a Republican who represents portions of North and Central Texas. Should a situation arise where a school marshal is unable to quickly retrieve his or her gun, the program is pointless. “That doesn’t provide for safety and security,” Birdwell said. “This bill simply allows for the school board to have the discretion to decide, ‘Do I want this teacher, custodian or administrator to be able to carry during some parts of the day?'”