February 5, 2009

Vitter, Thune Introduce Bill to Allow Law-Abiding Individuals to Carry Concealed Weapons across State Lines

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sens. John Thune and David Vitter yesterday introduced the Respecting States Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill that would allow individuals the right to carry lawfully concealed firearms across state lines, while at the same time respecting the laws of the host state.

“Many states have enacted common sense concealed carry laws that allow responsible, law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Thune. “Lawful concealed firearms can be a vital way for individuals to defend against the threat of violence, and a state’s border should not limit the right of individuals to protect themselves.”

“This bill simply clarifies the rights of gun owners and affords citizens a right that they are already entitled to under U.S. law,” said Vitter. “By elevating concealed handgun permits to the same status as driver’s licenses, we can ensure that an individual possessing a legal permit to carry a concealed weapon from his or her home state is afforded the same privilege in another state that already has concealed carry laws.”

The Respecting States Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act strikes the appropriate balance between individual and state rights by allowing an individual to carry a concealed firearm across state lines if they either have a valid permit or if, under the state of their residence, they are entitled to do so.
Traveling individuals must follow the laws of the host state, including laws concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may or may not be carried.

Sens. Thune and Vitter are currently seeking cosponsors for this legislation.