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HB 5675

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ELIMINATION OF THE RESTRICTION ON CARRYING HANDGUNS IN STATE PARKS AND FORESTS FOR SELF-DEFENSE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 2 co-sponsors

HB 5675 would remove the ban on carrying handguns in state parks and forests for self-defense, allowing visitors to carry in those areas.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#firearms #selfdefense #stateparks
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Bill Summary · HB 5675

Bill Summary — HB 5675

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ELIMINATION OF THE RESTRICTION ON CARRYING HANDGUNS IN STATE PARKS AND FORESTS FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Bill Number: HB 5675 | Subject: Firearms; Self‑defense; State Parks
Introduced: April 14, 2025 | Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Environment (see timeline)
Companion: SB 3044

Purpose / Intent

Based on the bill title, HB 5675 would eliminate an existing statutory restriction that prohibits (or limits) carrying handguns in state parks and state forests when done for the purpose of self‑defense. The primary intent appears to be to allow individuals to possess and carry handguns in those public land areas for personal protection where they are currently barred.

Key provisions (inferred from title)

  • Removes or repeals the statutory prohibition (or specific regulatory restriction) on carrying handguns in state parks and state forests when carried for self‑defense.
  • Would thereby authorize visitors to possess/carry handguns in those areas in circumstances where the restriction had previously applied.

Note: The available summary does not include the bill text. Important specifics that are not available here include whether the bill:
- Conditions carriage on having a valid permit or license (e.g., concealed carry permit),
- Distinguishes between concealed vs. open carry,
- Preempts local ordinances or park regulations,
- Contains limits for certain facilities (visitor centers, buildings, camps, events),
- Alters criminal penalties or enforcement language.

Who would be affected

  • Park and forest visitors (recreational users, hunters, campers) — potentially increased ability to carry handguns for self‑defense.
  • State parks/forests staff and law enforcement — changes to enforcement practices, signage, and response protocols.
  • Local municipalities and public safety agencies — potential coordination or policy impacts.
  • Stakeholders and interest groups — gun rights organizations, public safety advocates, conservation groups, and tourism/recreation sectors.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Legal: Changes would modify where firearms are lawfully carried; compatibility with state firearm permitting laws would matter.
  • Public safety and enforcement: Could change how rangers and police manage incidents, training needs, and signage.
  • Public perception and park use: Supporters may claim enhanced personal safety; opponents may raise concerns about visitor safety, wildlife conflicts, or enforcement complexity.
  • Implementation details (permits, exclusions, signage) will depend on the full bill language.

Legislative status & timeline (selected actions)

  • 2025-01-21: Referred to Joint Committee on Environment (initial referral listed)
  • 2025-04-14: Filed
  • 2025-04-17: Read first time; referred to Natural Resources
  • 2025-04-30 & 2025-05-07: Public hearings; committee considered and reported favorably without amendment; recommended to Local & Consent Calendar
  • 2025-05-12 to 2025-05-21: Committee reports filed; placed on and withdrawn from Local, Consent & Resolutions Calendar multiple times (author withdrawals and returns recorded)
  • Current status shown as REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment; companion bill SB 3044 filed.

Notes and next steps

This summary is based on the bill title and legislative actions; the full bill text is needed to confirm precise statutory changes, permit requirements, any exclusions, enforcement mechanics, and effective dates. Readers interested in legal detail or advocacy implications should review the bill language and committee report when available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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