Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and John Cornyn have introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill aimed at allowing individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home states to exercise those rights in other states that permit concealed carry. The legislation emphasizes adherence to each state's laws regarding concealed carry.

Senator Kennedy highlighted the importance of the Second Amendment, stating, "The Second Amendment helps protect all of our constitutional rights. This bill would affirm Americans’ fundamental liberties while respecting every state’s right to make their own laws."

Senator Cornyn expressed his support by saying, "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. 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 proposed legislation aims to treat state-issued concealed carry permits similarly to drivers' licenses, enabling individuals to use their home-state license across state lines while following local regulations.

Endorsements for the bill come from organizations such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Rifle Association, and Gun Owners of America.

The bill is cosponsored by several senators including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others from various states across the country.