Why are people allowed to have firearms in some national parks?
A. A new federal law (Sec. 512 of P.L. 111-24), effective February 22, 2010, makes national parks – and national wildlife refuges – subject to applicable federal, state, and local firearms laws. The law is a provision of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which was passed by Congress and signed by the President in May 2009. Q. How do I know when I’m in a national park? A: National parks will generally have signs indicating that you are entering a national park. In backcountry areas or large expanses such as those in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Yellowstone National Park, it is up to the individual to know where he or she is and the laws of that state. Q. I am going to a park that spans two states; can I choose which state’s laws to abide by? A: No. It is up to individuals to know the laws of the state they are in and where they are in the park. Q. What was the law before? Could I bring in an unloaded firearm? A. You could carry a firearm
