Buckeye Reporter

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson from North Carolina has introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) to the 119th Congress. The bill, which is backed by more than 120 colleagues, aims to establish nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and residents of Constitutional Carry states.

"This bipartisan legislation would provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of Constitutional Carry states," Hudson stated in a news release. He emphasized that "our Second Amendment right does not disappear when we cross invisible state lines, and this commonsense legislation guarantees that."

The proposed legislation seeks to protect law-abiding citizens' rights to conceal carry and travel between states without concern over differing state laws or potential civil suits. Hudson expressed pride in the support received for the bill and pledged continued efforts to have it enacted into law.

H.R. 38 would permit individuals with state-issued concealed carry licenses or permits to carry a handgun across state lines, including allowing residents of Constitutional Carry states to do so.

In December 2017, a similar proposal by Hudson passed in the House but did not advance in the Senate. With Republicans now controlling both chambers, there is renewed momentum for the bill.

President-elect Donald J. Trump previously expressed his support for national concealed-carry reciprocity. In an Instagram video posted by his son, Donald Trump Jr., he stated, "I will protect the right of self-defense everywhere it is under siege, and I will sign concealed-carry reciprocity."

Ohio representatives supporting the bill include Troy Balderson (R-12th District), Warren Davidson (R-8th District), Robert Latta (R-5th District), and David Taylor (R-2nd District).