(Randy Mackie) – Imagine this: you’re a law-abiding gun owner with a concealed carry permit. You’re driving from your home state to visit family in another. You cross a state line, and suddenly, you’re breaking the law. That’s the reality for many Americans today, but a new bill in Congress aims to change that.
Congressman Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, has introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill could dramatically expand the rights of concealed carry permit holders by requiring states to honor permits issued by other states.
Hudson explained the idea in simple terms: “When I drive to D.C. from North Carolina across Virginia, I don’t stop at the Virginia line and take a driver’s test to get another license. The state recognizes that North Carolina license.” He told Fox News Digital the same principle should apply to concealed carry permits.
A Common-Sense Solution?
Nearly 22 million Americans hold concealed carry permits, according to a 2023 report by the Social Science Research Network. Yet, these permit holders face a confusing patchwork of state laws. Some states honor permits from others; some don’t. That’s why Hudson’s bill has drawn support from over 120 Republican lawmakers in the House.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) backs the legislation, too. Aidan Johnston, the organization’s Director of Federal Affairs, said, “With all 50 states now issuing concealed carry permits, 49 states allowing nonresident carry, and 29 states with permitless or constitutional carry, it is simply common sense for Congress to ensure that each state’s concealed carry license is valid in every other state.”
President Trump has signaled support for the bill. “I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line,” he said in a campaign video earlier this year.
Real-Life Consequences
Hudson and his supporters point to cases like Shaneen Allen’s as examples of why this law is needed.
Allen, a single mother from Philadelphia, was arrested in New Jersey during a routine traffic stop. Her crime? Informing officers she had a firearm in her vehicle and a valid concealed carry permit from Pennsylvania.
“There’s a hodgepodge of different state laws when it comes to concealed carry,” Hudson said. “This bill just clarifies that and rectifies the situation where a law-abiding citizen can become a criminal just by crossing an invisible state line.”
Nevada gun owners understand these frustrations, too.
In Nevada, about 7% of adults have a concealed carry permit. While Nevada recognizes permits from some 28 states, it doesn’t honor them all. For travelers or residents near state borders, navigating these inconsistencies can be stressful and confusing. Hudson’s bill seeks to provide peace of mind to gun owners who follow the law.
As the President of the Nevada Firearms Coalition Political Action Committee, I am committed to fighting to protect the rights of Nevada’s law-abiding gun owners. We have been advocating for years to expand reciprocity with other states, but this federal law is a much sounder approach to address what is a national issue.
The Path Forward
With the Senate now under Republican control, with Trump’s support, and with strong backing from gun rights advocates, Republicans are hopeful. “I know I’ll need his help to get it through the Senate,” Hudson said of the president.
Supporters argue the bill is about fairness and protecting the Second Amendment. They say it’s unreasonable for responsible gun owners to face legal jeopardy just because they cross a state line.
For now, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act has sparked a debate that goes beyond guns. It’s about the balance between state and federal authority and the rights of Americans to protect themselves wherever they go.
As Hudson put it, “This isn’t about creating new rights; it’s about ensuring the rights you already have don’t stop at the state line.”
What’s Next?
Contacting your Members of Congress and urging them to support the bill is a good idea. Gun owners across the country will be watching this bill closely. Will Congress deliver on its promise to make concealed carry reciprocity the law of the land? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this is a fight that is worth fighting.
Mr. Mackie is President of the Nevada Firearms Coalition PAC
