Two North Carolina Republicans are among the 44 cosponsors of Sen. John Cornyn’s proposal for federal concealed-carry reciprocity among the states.
North Carolina Sen. Tillis, Texas Sens. Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa together brought the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to the chamber on Thursday. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives on Jan. 3.
Sen. Ted Budd is among the cosponsors.
According to multiple releases from the senators, the legislation “would allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry, while still abiding by that state’s laws.”
President-elect Donald Trump has said he would sign such legislation, having campaigned on Second Amendment rights.
“This common-sense legislation ensures that law-abiding citizens can exercise their constitutional right to carry concealed firearms across state lines while respecting the laws of each state,” Tillis said in a release.
Cornyn said gun owners in Texas should not have their Second Amendment rights “violated when they cross state lines.” Grassley said “responsible gun owners shouldn’t have to jump through hoops” when visiting other concealed carry states.
The Senate and House versions are each supported by the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Gun Owners of America. The U.S. Concealed Carry Association also blessed Hudson’s House version, which as of Monday evening was up to 151 cosponsors.
Passage is likely in both chambers. Republicans have majorities of 52-47 with one vacancy in the Senate, pending the replacement of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and 219-215 with one vacancy in the House, pending the replacement of former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz.
