Article Summary –
A bill proposed by House Republicans aims to establish a national concealed carry reciprocity law, allowing individuals who can legally carry concealed weapons in their home states to do so in any other state, overriding existing state gun safety laws. The legislation, supported by the NRA and other gun rights organizations, has been criticized for potentially increasing gun violence, as studies indicate that states with more permissive carry laws have seen rises in shooting fatalities. Public sentiment, as reflected in recent polls, shows that a majority of Americans favor stricter gun laws, contrasting the bill’s objectives to broaden gun rights.
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are advancing a bill aimed at overriding state gun safety laws, allowing legal concealed weapon carriers in their home states to carry in any state. This legislation, a priority for the National Rifle Association and gun lobbyists, has the support of a majority of House Republicans.
On Jan. 8, bill sponsor Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) announced the “bipartisan Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” via press release, despite its 124 cosponsors being Republicans. Hudson stated, “H.R. 38 ensures the Second Amendment remains intact across state lines,” emphasizing protection for law-abiding citizens traveling with concealed weapons, free from conflicting state laws.
The bill’s cosponsors include Pennsylvania Republicans like Reps. Rob Bresnahan, John Joyce, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Guy Reschenthaler, and Glenn Thompson.
Pennsylvania law requires concealed weapon carriers to pass background checks and obtain a license. Hudson’s proposal would force Pennsylvania to allow visitors from 29 states with no such requirements to carry concealed weapons.
President-elect Donald Trump endorsed the bill in a November 2023 campaign video, asserting, “I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line.”
Hudson told Fox News Digital on Jan. 8, “We have the best chance since 2017,” noting Republicans’ House and Senate majorities. The bill is supported by the NRA, Gun Owners of America, U.S. Concealed Carry Association, and National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Gun Owners of America director Aidan Johnston expressed gratitude to Trump: “Congress can deliver a century’s greatest legislative victory for gun rights, and President Trump supports this.”
Everytown for Gun Safety argues on its website that permitless carry laws weaken gun safety and increase public risk. Data shows states with such laws see more gun violence.
An August 2024 analysis by The Trace found states adopting permitless carry experience surges in shooting fatalities, contradicting claims of deterring violence.
Mark Collins from the Brady Campaign warned in a 2023 interview about the bill’s chilling effect on state law enforcement, allowing legal actions against police for verifying gun permits.
A 2023 Pew Research Center poll revealed 58% of U.S. adults favor stricter gun laws, while 15% prefer less strict regulations.
An October 2024 Gallup poll showed 56% of Americans support tighter gun sale laws, against 33% favoring looser laws.
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