East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, John Boozman, and John Cornyn have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The proposed legislation would allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any state that permits concealed carry, provided they adhere to that state's laws.

"Allowing Idaho’s law-abiding gun owners to travel from state to state with their valid concealed carry permit is commonsense," stated Senator Risch. He emphasized that the act "honors Americans’ right to bear arms and recognizes the authority of the States."

Senator Crapo echoed this sentiment by asserting that "Idahoans and Americans nationwide should not be deprived of their fundamental right to self-defense." He added that ensuring concealed carry reciprocity would enable citizens to uphold this right when traveling or residing temporarily outside their home state.

Senator Boozman expressed his support for Americans' constitutional right to bear arms, describing the legislation as a "commonsense solution" aimed at protecting concealed carry privileges across all 50 states and upholding the rights of lawful gun owners.

Senator Cornyn highlighted Texas's longstanding support for Second Amendment rights, noting that "gun owners in Texas and across the country should not have that fundamental right violated when they cross state lines." He praised the bill for reducing unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens by allowing them to carry a concealed firearm in every state permitting it.

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act seeks to:

- Allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any state with concealed carry laws.

- Treat state-issued concealed carry permits similarly to driver's licenses, requiring adherence to each state's specific laws.

- Protect state sovereignty without establishing a national standard for concealed carry.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA) endorse this legislation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and numerous other senators co-sponsor it.