Legislation that would require all of the states to cooperate and create smooth passage and the same Second Amendments rights to self-protection no matter which state you are in is on the table in the US House of Representatives.
The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act was introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). The Act would require states to recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states, much like they recognize out-of-state driver's licenses.
The Act establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines.
"I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line," Trump said while campaigning in 2024.
Specifically, an individual who is eligible to carry a concealed firearm in one state may carry or possess a concealed handgun (other than a machine gun or destructive device) in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms.
"When law-abiding citizens are traveling, they shouldn't be turned into criminals because they cross the state line," Hudson said. Representative Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina.
The Bill got through the House previously, but was not picked up by the Senate. He feels confident Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) will bring it forward.
“It's about time this was taken up by Congress. A restricted right is not a right it is only a promise made by a hostile government,” said Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.
The way it is now, if you want to drive from your home in Center Moriches to Virginia (or anyplace else outside of New York), you would have to carefully check the pistol carry laws in each states and hope you make the right determination about whether you can fully exercise your Second Amendment right while on your trip.
“I remain committed to second amendment rights. We have for years supported the concept of reciprocity,” said NYS Conservative Party Chairman Gerry Kassar. “We're a pro-second amendment group and New York State is a horrible example of how individuals who are essentially tourists can come into the state and find themselves under arrest for something that there's literally no legitimate argument, what did they have done, anything whatsoever wrong.”
Mary O’Hara, Communications Director for Congressman Nick LaLota said, “Congressman LaLota is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and remains committed to defending the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
LaLota is “taking a closer look at the legislation as it recently passed the Judiciary Committee, but has not yet been scheduled for a floor vote. Nevertheless, LaLota remains committed to ensuring Americans’ Second Amendment shall not be infringed,” O’Hara added.
The Act creates requirements for lawful concealed carry across state lines. It would apply to any person possessing or carrying a concealed handgun in a State allowing them to do so in areas in the State that are open to the public such national parks and land under the jurisdiction of many federal agencies as well and other regular places.