Carrying handguns outside of the home has been banned in Washington, D.C. since the 1970s. But visitors to the nation’s capital may be able to apply for a concealed carry permit under a new law drafted in response to a federal ruling that called the district’s ban on guns unconstitutional.
On Sept. 23, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the emergency legislation, which will allow District residents who own registered handguns and nonresidents who have state-issued gun-carrying licenses to apply for concealed-carry permits.
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But the issue is far from settled. The emergency legislation was put in effect for 90 days to give officials more time to work on permanent gun laws.
D.C. officials don’t want more guns in the city and have asked the U.S. District Judge Frederick Scullion Jr. to reconsider his July ruling, which struck down the city’s ban on carrying guns in public. A hearing is set for October.
Meanwhile, gun rights advocates have criticized the bill and say they will continue to fight the city’s restrictive gun laws.
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“The court instructed the city to treat the carrying of handguns as a right rooted in the constitutional interest in self-defense,”
Alan Gura, an attorney for those who challenged the ban, said, according to The Washington Post. “It’s not much progress to move from a system where licenses are not available to a system where licenses are only available if the city feels like issuing them. It’s something of a joke.”
Under the law, visitors applying for a concealed-carry permit would need to meet the same requirements as residents: show compelling reason for carrying a weapon, pass rigorous background checks, and complete 16 hours of firearms training. Approval of permits is up to the D.C. police chief. A review board will consider appeals.
The law also prohibits guns in bars, public buildings, schools or on public transit.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws of your state and destination before travel.
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