Constitutional Carry States’ Rights Act Introduced in Senate

Senate republicans just introduced what is being called the Constitutional Carry States' Rights Act. While any pro-gun legislation would clearly be a win at this point, this would only help a very narrow margin of people and is not what we've all been hoping for–which is some form of a national Constitutional Carry Reciprocity.

As introduced, this bill will essentially protect people carrying a gun without a permit while in states that recognize Constitutional Carry from federal charges if they happen to pass within 1,000 feet of a school zone.

The proposal was filed last week by South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds (R) who said that his state's pending permit-less concealed carry law could be trouble if an un-permitted gun carrier passes within 1,000 feet of a school zone. As I understand it, if that person has a concealed carry permit there is no issue.

The Constitutional Carry States’ Rights Act is meant to protect those without a permit.

Co-sponsor, US Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming) had this to say about the proposed bill:

This legislation would help ensure that gun owners exercising Constitutional carry will no longer be stuck with confusing laws about where they can and can’t have their firearms.

As of right now, anyone in a Constitutional carry state is okay by state law, but are technically violating federal law when within 1,000 feet of school.

If the bill passes, residents of the 13 states with Constitutional carry (13 as of this writing) will no longer wonder if they are violating Gun Free School Zone laws, because this bill will protect them.

• Green = No permit required to carry concealed. (Constitutional Carry)
• Blue = Shall Issue. States that issue a permit to the applicant if they meet the constitutional requirements and pass the required background check
• Red = May Issue. States that exercise discretion by requiring the applicant show need or cause, or by out right not issuing permits to anyone

Check out our FREE guide to gun free zones. And, let us know your thoughts on this proposal in the comments below.