Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, Thom Tillis, Chuck Grassley, and 39 other Republican colleagues have reintroduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This proposed legislation aims to allow individuals with concealed carry permits in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry, while adhering to that state's laws.

Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of protecting citizens' rights across state borders: "The right for law-abiding Americans to protect themselves and their family should not end at the state border," he stated. "This bill ensures citizens can exercise that right."

Senator Cornyn highlighted Texas's long-standing support for Second Amendment rights: "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," he said. He added that the legislation would ease burdens on law-abiding citizens wishing to carry firearms across states.

Senator Cruz reiterated the foundational nature of Second Amendment rights: "The rights protected in the Second Amendment are foundational to a free society and the preservation of individual liberty," he remarked. He expressed pride in cosponsoring a bill that upholds these rights.

Senator Tillis called the proposal commonsense legislation: "As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I’m proud to introduce the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act," he said. He noted its significance in ensuring self-defense rights for Americans traveling between states.

Senator Grassley pointed out potential benefits for responsible gun owners: "Responsible gun owners shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to exercise their constitutional right when visiting other concealed carry states," he commented. The bill seeks to minimize confusion while respecting each state's laws.

The act is supported by several organizations including the National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA).