These 21 States Have the Least Restrictive Gun Laws
According to the Annual Gun Law Scorecard from the Gifford Law Center, a renowned organization committed to reducing gun violence, this compilation focuses on states with the most lenient firearm regulations. The scorecard assesses each state’s laws on a scale of ‘A’ to ‘F’, based on their strictness. Notably, all the featured states in this list have received a disappointing ‘F’ grade. What’s more intriguing is that many of these states are located in the Southern United States.
For further information and data, please visit the Gifford Law Center website.
Alabama
Despite earning a failing grade for its gun laws, Alabama has taken steps to strengthen its gun safety measures by enhancing mental health record reporting. While this progress is noteworthy, the state’s lax regulations continue to raise concerns about the balance between individual gun rights and public safety.
Alaska
In stark contrast to many other states in the US, Alaska’s gun laws are notoriously permissive, earning an F grade in terms of restrictions. The state’s gun death rate is alarming, with 22.7 fatalities per 100,000 people annually. Moreover, a staggering 171 individuals succumb to gun violence each year. Furthermore, despite the growing concerns over gun control, Alaska failed to pass any notable legislation in 2023, suggesting a continued laissez-faire approach to regulating firearms.
Arizona
Arizona’s lax gun laws have devastating consequences, with the state recording 1,300 gun violence-related deaths annually, translating to a staggering rate of 20.5 per 100,000 individuals. This tragic reality underscores the need for stricter regulations to mitigate the impact of gun-related fatalities. The lack of effective measures to control access to firearms exacerbates this issue, making it essential to reassess and refine Arizona’s approach to address this pressing concern.
Arkansas
Arkansas’ lax gun control laws earn the state an F grade, resulting in a staggering 22.1 gun-related deaths per 100,000 residents each year. The devastating toll of this lack of regulation is evident in the annual loss of 632 lives to gun violence, with no significant legislation passed in 2023 to address the issue.
Georgia
Georgia’s firearm regulations are notable for their laxity, resulting in a dismal F grade. The Peach State is plagued by a staggering 20.0 gun-related fatalities per 100,000 residents annually, with a total of 1,935 individuals succumbing to gun violence each year. A key aspect contributing to this alarming rate is the state’s permitless carry policy, allowing individuals to freely bear arms without any prior authorization or training.
This lenient approach to gun control underscores Georgia’s stance as one of the most permissive jurisdictions in terms of firearm ownership and use.
Idaho
Idaho’s concerning gun death rate stands at 17.5 per 100,000 individuals, resulting in a staggering 303 fatalities annually. This grim statistic is largely attributed to the state’s lax laws regarding gun ownership, specifically the absence of universal background checks. A notable contrast can be drawn between Idaho’s F grade and other states that prioritize stricter regulations, ultimately contributing to a lower incidence of gun-related violence.
Iowa
Iowa’s firearms regulations have been deemed subpar by law enforcement experts and advocacy groups, earning an F grade. While this may seem at odds with its relatively low rate of firearm-related fatalities – a mere 11.3 deaths per 100,000 residents – the reality is that 332 lives are lost each year due to gun violence in the state, a sobering reminder that even seemingly safe states can struggle with this complex and multifaceted issue.
Kansas
Despite receiving an F grade for its gun laws, Kansas is unfortunately plagued by a high number of firearms-related deaths. According to the statistics, the state’s gun fatality rate stands at 17.0 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a staggering 465 annual fatalities.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s gun laws have garnered significant attention in recent years, with a concerning gun death rate of 18.9 per 100,000 residents. In an effort to address these concerns, the state has taken a unique approach by making law enforcement accountable for enforcing federal gun laws, effectively holding them criminally liable if they fail to comply.
Louisiana
In terms of gun laws, Louisiana ranks last with a dismal F grade, resulting in the highest gun death rate nationwide at 28.2 per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic is reflective of the state’s lax stance on gun control, as evident from its recent decision to ban trigger activators while simultaneously allowing DUI offenders to retain their concealed carry permits.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s gun laws are heavily criticized, earning an F grade due to its alarming gun death rate of 29.7 per 100,000. Notably, the state has implemented policies that encourage teachers to carry firearms in schools and prohibits the keeping of firearm records, exemplifying its laissez-faire approach to regulating gun ownership.
Missouri
Missouri’s unfortunate ranking is starkly illustrated by its F grade, which corresponds to a staggering 24.4 gun-related deaths per 100,000 residents. Moreover, the state experiences an alarming 1,416 fatalities annually, underscoring the severity of this public health crisis.
Montana
In stark contrast to some states, Montana’s gun laws have earned an F grade, a testament to the lack of stringent measures in place. However, despite this poor showing, the state still manages to report a relatively low gun death rate of 24.5 per 100,000 residents. Furthermore, Montana’s courts are instructed to apply strict scrutiny when evaluating gun rights cases, a clear indication of the state’s commitment to safeguarding Second Amendment freedoms.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s firearm fatality rate stands at a dismal 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people, earning it an F grade in the nation’s firearms landscape. Notably, the state has taken a laissez-faire approach to gun control, scrapping residency requirements for permitless carry and declining to maintain lists of registered gun owners, signaling a highly permissive environment when it comes to weapons possession.
Oklahoma
While many states are perfect for a relaxing romantic getaway, Oklahoma’s lakes offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But did you know that Oklahoma has one of the highest gun death rates in the country? With a staggering 20.1 per 100,000 residents, gun violence claims the lives of 775 people each year. This reality is reflected in the state’s lenient gun laws, which prioritize individual freedoms over strict regulations.
In fact, Oklahoma’s gun ownership laws are some of the most permissive in the country. Despite this sobering statistic, Oklahoma’s lakes remain a popular destination for couples looking to unwind and recharge. With its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, an Oklahoma lake getaway can be just what you need to revitalize your relationship.
South Dakota
In stark contrast, South Dakota’s gun laws earn an F grade, yielding a staggering gun death rate of 16.1 per 100,000 residents. Tragically, this lax approach to firearm regulation results in 126 lives lost each year due to gun-related violence, a sobering reminder of the state’s need for stricter measures to prioritize public safety.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s gun-related statistics are starkly reflected in its F grade and staggering gun death rate of 20.9 per 100,000 residents. The state’s recent legislation, which increased civil immunity for the gun industry, underscores its unwavering dedication to preserving gun rights. This decision is particularly noteworthy given Tennessee’s rich natural beauty, as exemplified by the numerous cozy cabin rentals available in Gatlinburg.
Despite these contrasting realities, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the state’s concerning gun violence statistics.
Texas
Texas’s gun laws have been criticized for their laxity, earning the state an F grade. According to available data, Texas experiences a staggering gun death rate of 15.7 per 100,000 residents. In response to this issue, the state has implemented measures such as mandating armed security in schools and prohibiting insurance requirements for gun owners.
Utah
In stark contrast to other states, Utah received a dismal F grade when it comes to gun-related deaths. With a staggering rate of 14.0 per 100,000 people, the state’s gun violence epidemic is undeniable. However, Utah did take steps in the right direction by prohibiting certain domestic violence offenders from owning firearms, banning local law enforcement from enforcing federal gun laws, and allowing individuals to self-prohibit themselves from purchasing guns.
This effort demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issue, even if more work remains to be done.
West Virginia
In stark contrast, West Virginia’s gun-related fatalities paint a grim picture. With a dismal F grade, the state’s gun death rate stands at an alarming 16.4 per 100,000. This troubling statistic is reflective of the state’s permissive approach to firearms, as evidenced by its allowance of guns on college and university campuses, demonstrating a clear commitment to furthering gun rights.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s gun laws receive a dismal F rating, marked by an alarming gun-related fatality rate of 20.6 deaths per every 100,000 residents. This staggering figure translates to a distressing 137 annual fatalities resulting from gun violence, highlighting the urgent need for reform and stricter regulations.
