North Dakota: Second Amendment Serves as Your Conceal Carry Permit

By Martin Walsh | 3:36 PM on March 24, 2017

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Thursday evening, Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) signed a key piece of legislation allowing North Dakota residents the right to legally carry a concealed handgun for self-defense without being required to obtain a permit.

The legislation passed the House on Feb. 21 with 83-9 majority overwhelmingly supporting the move to preserve the right to bear arms. It subsequently passed a vote in the Senate on March 21 by a vote of 34-13.

Gov. Burgum, who happens to be an avid hunter, urged anyone casting doubt on carrying a concealed firearm to enroll in gun safety classes.

“Gun ownership is both a right and a responsibility,” the governor said in a prepared statement. “That responsibility begins with individuals and families.”

Gov. Burgum also added that, “North Dakota has a rich heritage of hunting and a culture of deep respect for firearm safety. As a hunter and gun owner myself, I strongly support gun rights for law-abiding citizens. House Bill 1169 allows citizens to exercise their Second Amendment right under the U.S. Constitution.”

While Democrats offer skepticism and suggest that the new law will lead to a spike in criminal activity and shootings, House Majority Leader Al Carlson, a Fargo Republican, argued that the passing of the legislation is “a great day for the Second Amendment.”

Carlson and many others in the gun-friendly state disagreed that the legislation will lead to an increase in the number of people carrying guns in public places and stood by their decision to allow people to practice their Constitutional rights.

“There will not be people with bandoleers shooting everyone on Main Street,” Carlson said Friday.

The bill was just one of several other gun-rights measures being considered this session, including bills that would allow people with concealed carry permits to legally possess guns in churches, schools, and other public locations.

While it is unclear at the moment if Gov. Burgum will sign those into law, supporters in North Dakota are praising him for his efforts to pass a bill that promotes their constitutional right to bear arms and allows protection from criminals.