On Wednesday, 42 Republican senators presented the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, permitting persons having concealed carry rights in their home state to use their rights in any other state that permits concealed carry, provided they comply with that state’s laws.
The legislation safeguards state sovereignty by refraining from instituting a nationwide norm for concealed carry.
“An individual who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document and a valid license or permit which is issued pursuant to the law of a State and which permits the individual to carry a concealed firearm, may possess or carry a concealed handgun (other than a machinegun or destructive device) that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce in any State other than the State of residence of the individual that has a statute that allows residents of the State to obtain licenses or permits to carry concealed firearms; or does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms by residents of the State for lawful purposes.” the law notes.
Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn noted that “This legislation would reduce unnecessary burdens for law-abiding citizens and allow them to carry a concealed firearm in every state that permits it and I’m grateful for the overwhelming support from my fellow Republican colleagues on this commonsense bill.”
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives presented a companion bill, H.R. 38.
The Crime Prevention Research Center reports that approximately 22 million Americans possess concealed carry permits.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to endorse the law upon its arrival at his desk.
The National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA) have also supported the proposal.
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