Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Thom Tillis, and Chuck Grassley have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act in Washington. The bill aims to allow individuals with concealed carry permits from their home state to exercise those rights in other states that permit concealed carry, while adhering to local laws.

Senator Cornyn stated, "The Lone Star State has long championed our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and gun owners in Texas and across the country should not have that fundamental right violated when they cross state lines." He added that the legislation seeks to reduce burdens for law-abiding citizens by allowing them to carry a concealed firearm in any state that permits it.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of the Second Amendment: "The rights protected in the Second Amendment are foundational to a free society and the preservation of individual liberty." Senator Grassley noted that responsible gun owners should not face hurdles when visiting other states with concealed carry laws. He expressed his intention to work with colleagues on advancing this legislation.

Senator Tillis described himself as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and expressed pride in introducing the bill. He highlighted its significance in protecting self-defense rights for Americans traveling across state lines.

The bill is cosponsored by several Senate Republicans including Majority Leader John Thune and Senators Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Bill Hagerty, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Jim Risch, Marsha Blackburn, Pete Ricketts, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, James Lankford, Katie Britt, Lindsey Graham, Bill Cassidy, Cynthia Lummis, Ted Budd, Ron Johnson, Tim Sheehy, John Kennedy, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Eric Schmitt, Todd Young Dan Sullivan John Barrasso Jim Banks Tim Scott Bernie Moreno Deb Fischer Jerry Moran Mike Rounds John Curtis John Boozman Joni Ernst Roger Wicker John Hoeven Markwayne Mullin Shelley Moore Capito.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA) have endorsed the legislation. NRA's Executive Director of Legislative Action John Commerford said it remedies a confusing patchwork of state laws. NSSF's Lawrence G. Keane remarked on safeguarding states' rights while protecting Second Amendment rights. GOA's Aidan Johnston urged Congress to pass the act swiftly.

This act would treat concealed carry permits similarly to driver's licenses—valid across states but subject to local regulations—and aims not to establish a national standard for concealed carry.