Pulaski Times

U.S. Senators John Boozman from Arkansas and John Cornyn from Texas have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This proposed legislation would enable individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry, while still complying with that state's laws.

"I am proud to support Americans’ constitutional right to bear arms," said Boozman. "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 of the Second Amendment for Texans and others nationwide. "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 stated. "This legislation would reduce unnecessary burdens for law-abiding citizens and allow them to carry a concealed firearm in every state that permits it, and I’m grateful for the overwhelming support from my fellow Republican colleagues on this commonsense bill."

The act aims to treat state-issued concealed carry permits similarly to drivers' licenses, allowing individuals to use their home-state license in another state but requiring adherence to local laws. It also seeks to protect state sovereignty by not establishing a national standard for concealed carry.

Endorsements for this legislation come from several organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Gun Owners of America (GOA).

In addition to Boozman and Cornyn, numerous senators have cosponsored the bill. These include Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota, along with Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Bill Hagerty, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Jim Risch, 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, Tim Sheehy, John Kennedy, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Eric Schmitt, Todd Young , Dan Sullivan , John Barrasso , Jim Banks , Tim Scott , Bernie Moreno , Deb Fischer , Jerry Moran , Mike Rounds , John Curtis , Joni Ernst , Roger Wicker , John Hoeven , Markwayne Mullin , Shelley Moore Capito , Ted Cruz , Thom Tillis and Chuck Grassley.