National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill Finally Heading to Congress for a Vote!
It may soon be a fantastic day for the second amendment across the United States as the long-awaited National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill is on its way to the floor of the House of Representatives.
WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE?
On Wednesday the House Judiciary Committee “Marked Up” the bill that would bring concealed carry to all fifty states for an introduction to the House floor, meaning that the next step is to vote on the measure in the Republican-controlled House.
It has been a long time coming with this bill, as it was first introduced in the Senate by John Cornyn of Texas and in the House of Representatives by Richard Hudson of North Carolina. And even before that, the idea of National Reciprocity was being thrown around by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress since before the election was even over. Well, it may have been slow moving to get the bill introduced, but now it seems that the waiting may soon be over.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
And while it is not yet assured that the bill will make it through the House and the Senate in order to get signed by the President, it should be noted that in the Judiciary Committee vote, those members of the House that were on the committee voted to mark it up on a strict party-line vote. 19 Republican yays to 11 Democrat nays. If that party-line vote holds through the bill's journey in the House and Senate, Republicans have the votes in order to pass the legislation.
In the same meeting of the Judiciary Committee, another gun-related issue was brought forward, one that is set to strengthen the FBI’s database of citizens prohibited from buying firearms following the Air Force’s error which allowed Sutherland Springs Shooter Devin Kelley to get legal access to the firearm that he used in his attack, despite his criminal past which should have disqualified him from being able to purchase.
The strengthening would require that twice a year, federal agencies submit correct required records to the federal database and will reward states that comply with the measure with federal grants. This measure was approved by a vote of 17-6.
WHAT WOULD PASSAGE MEAN FOR YOU?
Now let’s go back to the reciprocity bill for just a moment because there is an important message about this bill that some sites are not talking about or in some cases giving out blatantly false information that could potentially get gun owners in a lot of trouble.
If National Reciprocity gets to the President’s desk there will be a lot of pro-gun citizens who are justifiably excited about the progress of the second amendment but just because you will be allowed to carry in all 50 states does not mean that you are suddenly able to not adhere to gun laws that the state can still control, thus not necessarily removing that “patchwork” that so many talk about.
To compare it to automobiles (which I know gun owners love) your driver’s license allows you to drive in all 50 states, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have to adhere to each individual state’s driving laws.
To make it super clear, the passage of National Reciprocity will allow you to carry in places like New Jersey, regardless of the state you received a permit in, but New Jersey will still be able to dictate where you can carry, and how. We interpret this to mean that if they tell you that you cannot carry in a specific park, you must comply. Or, if they tell you that you cannot carry with a round in the chamber, it'll be a violation to do so.
Again, this is our interpretation, and you should read the entire proposal, here.
A couple of things that are surprising for this proposal are as follows:
- If you have an out of state permit to carry, like from Virginia, you'll be able to carry in your home state–even if you live in California with an out of state permit.
- States will not be able to dictate which gun you can carry for self-defense, the amount of ammo your gun's magazine holds, or the type of ammunition you carry.
What are your next steps?
If you live in one of these restricted states, where it is currently impossible to get your license to carry, we recommend getting an out of state carry permit from one of the states who make it easy. We also recommend you do this RIGHT NOW, while you still can. Because, if this bill gets passed, they will likely change their policies, or at the very least, put you on a wait list as they try to get caught up in a back log. To get a Virginia permit is currently very easy for out of staters, check this out:
It’s about time we will be able to protect our families and ourselves. Our lives are just as important as the law makers.
I have said this before and now again. I do not need governments permission to exercise a right given to me by my creator.
It is a long time coming, Question ? I live in N.Y. and have a license, but also have a Fla. carry,
which is already recognized in, 38-40 other states. If passed this would allow me to now carry in all 50 states w/both N.Y. & Fla.
Gary, the bill in its current format would make BOTH of your permits valid in all 50 states.
You said that states will not be able to limit number of rounds in the magazine or type of ammunition. Will this bill invalidate all of the various state magazine size limits for licences carriers or will they still be able to set limits on the size of magazine you can posses in the state?
Additionally does this restriction on states ability to limit licensed carriers extend to cities and other governmental units? In particular San Francisco has a poorly written law which I understand to be interpreted as making it illegal to posses hollow point ammo within the city. Would that city law also be unenforcible?
Finally – would the loosening of state laws only be applicable to license holders or to other persons in the state? Would one need to worry that if their license expires, legal possessions would suddenly become illegal and possibly suddenly expose owner to prosecution?
Thanks!
Do not believe this bill is a good thing. There are amendments to it that will create a national registration database. It will lead to severe restrictions in the future.
Trojan horse. Beware!!
Mike I’ve read the full bill that was passed. I have no idea what you are talking about. Please clarify with greater specificity.
By far am I no Constitutional scholar, but I’m more concerned with this being a Federal overreach that would nullify individual state rights. I guess an argument could be made that the Supremacy Clause is being used to enforce the 2nd amendment, I’m just a little worried that this becomes another slippery slope. I would much rather see a Federal Concealed Carry Permit that could be obtained and thus allowed throughout the US.