Twenty years ago, "permitless carry" was a fringe policy idea found in only a handful of states. Today, it's the law in more than half the country. As of 2026, 29 states have adopted constitutional carry — meaning eligible adults can legally carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a government-issued permit. That's a remarkable shift in American gun policy, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you're a gun owner trying to keep track of the laws in your state, a policymak …