Constitutional Carry Reciprocity Bill Gains Momentum With Trump And GOP Support
Republicans in the House, led by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), a bill designed to establish nationwide recognition of concealed carry permits. President Donald Trump has expressed his full support, promising to sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.
The bill ensures that concealed carry permits issued by one state are valid across all 50 states, much like driver’s licenses. It also allows residents of states with permitless carry laws to exercise their rights when traveling to other states. While preserving state autonomy over specific firearm regulations, the bill seeks to protect Americans from legal pitfalls when traveling across state lines.
🚨 BREAKING: @RepRichHudson has introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to ensure our Second Amendment rights don’t end at a state line.
➡️ https://t.co/dKQLOKgOLz pic.twitter.com/IWyOz1smlv
— NRA (@NRA) January 8, 2025
“Our constitutional rights don’t magically disappear when we travel,” said Rep. Hudson. He criticized states like New York and California for enforcing overly restrictive gun laws that create unnecessary burdens on responsible gun owners. The legislation is aimed at addressing these inconsistencies and upholding Second Amendment protections nationwide.
Why can I drive across state lines with my Texas driver’s license, but my Second Amendment rights get left at the border? It’s time for that to change. Thanks to Rep. Richard Hudson’s **Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38)**, we’re seeing real momentum toward… pic.twitter.com/K5pu82whgE
— Colion Noir (@MrColionNoir) January 28, 2025
Gun rights organizations, including the NRA and Gun Owners of America, have strongly backed the bill. “This legislation safeguards a state’s right to set its own laws while protecting the rights of Americans to defend themselves wherever they go,” said Lawrence Keane, Senior Vice President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Donald Trump announces that he'll sign national concealed carry reciprocity! HELL YEAH! pic.twitter.com/RUJffZmu9n
— American Firearms Association (@2A_Freedom) November 10, 2024
The proposal comes at a time when firearm owners face challenges in blue states, which continue to impose restrictions despite the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision affirming the right to carry firearms for self-defense. Many of these states have designated broad areas, such as restaurants, libraries, and private property, as off-limits to concealed carry, leaving gun owners in legal jeopardy.
"Your right to carry shouldn't end at state borders." – GOA's Senior VP, @erichmpratt
Have you called your Representative and told them to support HR 38, Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act yet? (202) 224-3121☎️ pic.twitter.com/rcDv5lrU0H
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) January 13, 2025
If enacted, the bill would address a patchwork of regulations that currently creates confusion and risks for concealed carry permit holders. With the Trump administration’s support, Republicans aim to make this legislation a cornerstone of efforts to restore Second Amendment freedoms nationwide.