Most States Have No Stun Gun Restrictions

Earlier this week it was reported by the Minnesota Associated Press one of the jurors selected for the Kim Potter trial owned a stun gun.

I checked with Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen about the requirements for citizens to carry the weapons.  He told me any law abiding citizen can legally have one in their possession.

Even the type law enforcement agencies use.

Taser is a brand of stun gun that a majority of law enforcement agencies use.  Bohlen says the weapon can be shot within 25 feet of the target with 50,000 volts of electricity discharged.

The majority of states let civilians use stun guns, including a Taser without any major restrictions.  Minnesota does require a background check.  One of only three states. The others are Illinois and Maryland.

However it's interesting to point out a convicted felon is not allowed to possess or use any weapon but without a background check required how would it not happen?

Below is a listing of states where stun guns (including a Taser) are legal with no major restrictions:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaha
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraksa
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wyoming

These states require a permit to carry a Taser stun gun:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Mexico
• West Virginia
• Puerto Rico
• Wisconsin

Currently two states completely ban the use of Taser and all stun guns for civilians.  They are Hawaii and Rhode Island.

A convicted felon may not use any weapon including pepper spray.

So if you want use one for protection it's perfectly legal if you are a law abiding civilian.

This is fascinating reading.