Top 10 Updated Firearm Law Changes Across the U.S. (as of January 23, 2026)
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Firearm laws can change quickly and can differ by state, city, and even specific locations (“sensitive places”). Always verify the latest rules through official state resources before buying, carrying, storing, traveling, or shipping firearms or ammunition.
1) California — Expanded safe-storage rules (effective Jan 1, 2026)
California expanded safe-storage requirements so that, in general, firearms must be stored securely in a residence whenever they’re not being carried or under the owner’s immediate control. California DOJ resources also list other recent updates (including dealer-related rules) that took effect in 2024.
2) Illinois — Safe Gun Storage Act (effective Jan 1, 2026)
Illinois’ Safe Gun Storage Act (SB 8) makes it unlawful to store a firearm unsecured where the owner knows or reasonably should know a minor, an “at-risk person,” or a prohibited person is likely to gain access—unless the firearm is secured (locked container/locking device, etc.).
3) Colorado — (A) 3-day waiting period + (B) semiauto purchase training (starts Aug 1, 2026)
- Waiting period: A delivery waiting period generally applies—typically the later of 3 days after the background check is initiated or when the check is approved.
- Specified semiautomatic firearms training: Starting Aug 1, 2026, Colorado requires completion of a firearms safety course before purchasing/transferring certain “specified semiautomatic firearms.”
4) Massachusetts — “Act modernizing firearms laws” implementation guidance (major changes in/after 2024)
Massachusetts enacted a wide-ranging firearms package often described as “modernizing” firearms laws. The state has published implementation guidance explaining how portions of the law are applied in practice (including operational/dealer-related details and other rule changes).
5) Michigan — Secure storage law (effective Feb 13, 2024)
Michigan’s secure storage (CAP) law requires firearm owners to store firearms securely when a minor is or is likely to be present. State materials and the statute outline penalties and exceptions.
6) Maryland — “Sensitive places” carry restrictions upheld (major court update Jan 2026)
Maryland’s 2023 law restricting firearms in many “sensitive places” (schools, hospitals, transit, parks, etc.) was largely upheld by the Fourth Circuit in January 2026. A provision about banning guns on publicly accessible private property without owner consent was not upheld.
7) New Jersey — “Sensitive places” carry limits (court update 2025)
New Jersey’s 2022 law (A4769) tightened carry rules and listed many “sensitive places.” A federal appeals court upheld much of the law in 2025, but blocked the liability insurance requirement.
8) Hawaii — “Express permission” rule for private property open to the public (SCOTUS argued Jan 20, 2026)
Hawaii’s post-Bruen carry law generally requires express authorization to carry on private property open to the public. The U.S. Supreme Court heard argument in Wolford v. Lopez on Jan 20, 2026, and the decision could affect similar laws in other states.
9) Oregon — Measure 114 still on hold; implementation delayed
Oregon’s voter-approved Measure 114 created a permit-to-purchase system and restrictions on magazines over 10 rounds, among other changes. Courts have addressed its constitutionality, but reports and official statements note the law remains on hold pending final appeals/implementation steps, with a pause discussed through at least March 2026.
10) Washington — high-capacity magazine sales ban + “untraceable firearms” restrictions (plus assault-weapon sales ban)
- Large-capacity magazines: Washington bans manufacture/import/distribution/sale of magazines over 10 rounds (possession is generally not banned).
- Untraceable firearms: Washington restricts certain activities involving unserialized (“untraceable”) firearms, including rules that apply after March 10, 2023.
- Assault weapons: Washington prohibits sale/manufacture/import of “assault weapons,” while possession is generally not prohibited.
