Time to update the Concealed & Open Carry Law Charts again. North Dakota recently moved from a Shall-Issue state to an Unrestricted state.  On March 23, 2017, North Dakota’s governor signed legislation that allows people to carry a concealed weapon without needing a permit, also known as “constitutional carry.”

More specifically, the new law in North Dakota will allow residents 18 and older to carry hidden firearms and there is no requirement to undergo background checks or training. Anyone who is eligible to possess a Class 2 firearm license and has had a valid driver’s license or state ID card for at least a year may carry a concealed firearm.  The bill will take effect on August 1, 2017.

In case you missed it, over the last year a few other states that have become unrestricted are:

Idaho – As of July 1, 2016, residents 21 years and older may carry a concealed firearm statewide without a permit. The law allows concealed carry in cities, bars and most government buildings.

Mississippi –  The Governor signed the bill allowing residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit in April, 2016.  There seems to be some uncertainty as to what the new law allows and prevents.  However, the law requires the gun to be in a holster, not in a bag, pocket or waistband.  The bill took effect immediately.

West Virginia –  As of June 5, 2016, West Virginia residents 21 years of age or older, and who is not otherwise prohibited by law, may carry a concealed deadly weapon within the state of without a license.

The number is about to increase once again to 13 to because in February, 2017, a bill in New Hampshire allowing concealed-carry without a permit was passed and the governor advised he will sign the bill.  I will post an update once this one is confirmed.

Photo from: FreeImages.com/J.M. Griffin