New Porch Pirate, Concealed Carry Laws Take Effect

A roster of new laws has gone into effect across the United States, covering everything from harsher sentences for porch pirates to new requirements for concealed carry permits. Knewz.com has learned that in Florida alone, a staggering 70 new laws have gone into effect — from executions to revising state regulations on “dangerous dogs” to requiring all public school material to reflect the federal government’s recent re-designation of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, according to reports.

Virginia Passes New Law for Porch Pirates

In Virginia, a new law has been passed that classifies mail theft as a Class 6 felony, meaning people who are caught stealing mail or packages — “porch pirates” — can be punished by imprisonment for one to five years and/or a fine of up to $2,500. According to reports, this new law will give local prosecutors the ability to bring charges in addition to existing federal penalties. “The goal was to mirror the federal law so that prosecutors had another tool in their tool belt,” said state Senator Saddam Salim, adding that while federal prosecutors do not have the resources to go after every single lawbreaker, this new law allows local law enforcement to get involved.

New Law Changes Requirements for Concealed Carry Permits

According to the new law passed in Colorado, applicants looking to obtain a concealed carry license are required to have at least eight hours of in-person instruction and pass a live-fire test where they must shoot a minimum of 50 rounds before they are eligible. Applicants seeking renewal permits also have to produce proof of training from a verified instructor within six months of their application. It has been reported that the gun laws in Colorado have grown increasingly restrictive over the years. According to reports, Democratic Governor Jared Polis of Colorado passed one of the most restrictive gun laws of the state, which is expected to go into effect in 2026, outlawing the manufacture of certain semiautomatic firearms including the AR-15 and AK-47 rifles.

Florida Passes New Law Against ‘Swatting’

Among the 70 new laws that have gone into effect in Florida is one that enhances criminal penalties for violations related to the misuse of emergency communication services, including 911. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said of the new legislation, “Swatting has no place in the state of Florida. … When you have swift penalties, strong penalties administered swiftly, you will deter it from happening in the future.” According to the new law, anyone calling in a false report could be charged with a third-degree felony, which would turn into a second-degree felony if someone dies due to the report. It has been reported that someone who makes somebody else make a false 911 call can also be held liable under the new law.

California Passes Several New Laws

The state of California passed the Senate Bill 1144, which requires online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay to collect information on high-volume third-party sellers. Furthermore, online marketplaces operating in California must now display a clear policy against the sale of stolen merchandise and offer users a means to flag suspicious product listings. If a platform becomes aware that a third-party vendor is knowingly selling or attempting to sell stolen goods within the state, it is obligated to notify law enforcement authorities. Separately, Senate Bill 1063 mandates that every California school serving students in grades 7 through 12 must print the contact number for the 988 Lifeline on student ID cards. The law also recommends that schools enhance access to mental health services by adding QR codes linking to local support resources and online help platforms. Additionally, minimum wage increases are also rolling out across several cities in California as part of the new laws.

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