Page "Gun control" Paragraph 20

Forty-four U. S. states have passed " shall issue " concealed carry legislation of one form or another.

In these states, law-abiding citizens ( usually after giving evidence of completing a training course ) may carry handguns on their person for self-protection.

Other states and some cities such as New York may issue permits.

Only Illinois, and the District of Columbia have explicit legislation forbidding personal carry.

Vermont, Arizona, and Alaska do not require permits to carry concealed weapons, although Alaska retains a shall-issue permit process for reciprocity purposes with other states.

Similarly, Arizona retains a shall-issue permit process, both for reciprocity purposes and because permit holders are allowed to carry concealed handguns in certain places ( such as bars and restaurants that serve alcohol ) that non-permit holders are not.