East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, along with John Boozman of Arkansas and John Cornyn of Texas, have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation is designed to enable individuals who hold concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry, while adhering to the laws of that state.

"Idahoans and Americans nationwide should not be deprived of their fundamental right to self-defense," Senator Crapo stated. "Ensuring concealed carry reciprocity would enable law-abiding citizens to uphold this right while traveling or residing temporarily outside their home state."

Senator Risch added, "Allowing Idaho’s law-abiding gun owners to travel from state to state with their valid concealed carry permit is commonsense. The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act honors Americans’ right to bear arms and recognizes the authority of the States."

Senator Boozman expressed his support by saying, "I am proud to support Americans’ constitutional right to bear arms. This legislation is a commonsense solution to protect concealed carry privilege across all 50 states and uphold the rights of lawful, responsible gun owners."

Cornyn emphasized the importance for Texans and others by stating, "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. This legislation would reduce unnecessary burdens for law-abiding citizens and allow them to carry a concealed firearm in every state that permits it."

The proposed act aims to treat state-issued concealed carry permits similarly to driver’s licenses. It would allow individuals with such permits from one state to use them in another while complying with local regulations. Importantly, it seeks not to establish a national standard for concealed carry but rather respects each state's sovereignty.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA) have endorsed this legislation.

In addition, Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota co-sponsors the bill alongside several other Republican senators including Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Bill Hagerty, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Marsha Blackburn, Pete Ricketts, Roger Marshall M.D., Rick Scott, James Lankford, Katie Britt, Lindsey Graham, Bill Cassidy M.D., Cynthia Lummis, Ted Budd, Ron Johnson among others.