Trump Is Planning to Introduce Constitutional Concealed Carry Laws…Nationally!

House Republicans, with President Trump’s backing, introduce the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to standardize gun rights across states, potentially impacting millions of permit holders.

At a Glance

  • The bill aims to require states to recognize concealed carry permits from other states
  • Nearly 22 million Americans hold some form of concealed carry permit
  • President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for the bill
  • The legislation is backed by over 120 House Republicans and one House Democrat
  • Pro-gun groups view this as a significant legislative victory for gun rights

A Push for Nationwide Reciprocity

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), introduced by House Republicans, seeks to establish a uniform legal framework for concealed carry across the United States. This legislation, if passed, would require states to recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states, similar to how driver’s licenses are currently recognized nationwide.

If this passes, Trump will go down in history as the most pro-2A president in history.

The bill’s primary sponsor, North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, explained the rationale behind the legislation.

“What we’re talking about is just requiring states to recognize the permit of another state just like you recognize a driver’s license. When I drive to D.C. from North Carolina across Virginia, I don’t stop at the Virginia line and take a driver’s test to get another license. The state recognizes that North Carolina license,” he said.

The proposed legislation has gained significant traction, with over 120 House Republicans and one House Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, throwing their support behind it. Notably, President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed his backing for the bill, stating, “I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line.”

This legislation could have far-reaching implications for the estimated 22 million Americans who currently hold some form of concealed carry permit. It aims to address inconsistencies in state laws regarding concealed carry, preventing law-abiding citizens from inadvertently becoming criminals by crossing state lines.

Support from Pro-Gun Groups

The bill has garnered support from various pro-gun organizations, including Gun Owners of America (GOA), the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. Aidan Johnston, GOA’s Director of Federal Affairs, commented on the legislation’s significance: “With all 50 states now issuing concealed carry permits, 49 states allowing nonresident carry and 29 states with permitless carry or constitutional carry, it is simply common sense for Congress to ensure that each state’s concealed carry license is valid in every other state.”

Proponents of the bill argue that it reinforces the constitutional right to bear arms while respecting state sovereignty. The legislation does not impose a national standard for concealed carry but ensures reciprocity among states, addressing situations where some states, particularly those with stricter gun laws, reject reciprocity with states that have strong Second Amendment protections.

While the bill aims to streamline concealed carry rights across the nation, many challenges remain. Some states with restrictive regulations on “sensitive locations” where concealed carry is prohibited may continue to pose obstacles for permit holders. Additionally, the legislation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling, which affirmed the right to carry firearms for self-defense, although some states continue to impose restrictive measures.

Could Trump really pull this off?