Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In the past President Donald Trump pledged to sign National Concealed Carry Reciprocity into law if given the chance.
The policy, long advocated by 2A supporters, would require all states to recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states, much like driver’s licenses.
What Is National Reciprocity?
National Concealed Carry Reciprocity aims to create a standardized system where concealed carry permits are honored across state lines.
According to Armed Attorneys Richard Hayes and Emily Taylor, this would eliminate the confusing patchwork of state-specific concealed carry laws.
- Current State of Affairs: Some states, like Texas, recognize permits from all states, while others, such as California and New York, refuse to honor any out-of-state permits.
- The Problem: For law-abiding gun owners, this inconsistency creates legal risks when traveling across state lines, especially in regions with strict anti-gun laws.
Richard Hayes notes that these discrepancies often leave gun owners defenseless in areas where they may need protection the most.
“Anti-gun states create a less safe world by refusing to recognize lawful carry permits,” he said.
Trump’s Proposal
During his announcement, Trump declared:
“I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line.”
This statement resonated with gun owners nationwide. Emily Taylor explains that Trump’s plan aligns with the Full Faith and Credit Clause in the U.S. Constitution, which requires states to honor certain records and laws from other states.
While this clause is routinely applied to driver’s licenses and marriage certificates, anti-gun states argue it shouldn’t extend to concealed carry permits.
What’s Next?
Hayes and Taylor predict significant legal challenges from anti-gun states like New York and California if National Reciprocity is enacted. These states are expected to argue that such a law infringes on their ability to regulate public safety.
“This is where the courts will come in,” Taylor says. “The question will be whether the Second Amendment and Full Faith and Credit Clause outweigh a state’s right to regulate firearm use. It’s going to be a fascinating legal battle.”
Practical Implications for Gun Owners
Even if National Reciprocity becomes law, it won’t give gun owners carte blanche to ignore local laws. As Taylor points out, reciprocity doesn’t erase state-specific restrictions:
- Magazine Capacity: States like New York have strict limits on magazine sizes, which would still apply.
- Firearm Features: Some states prohibit certain firearm features, such as folding stocks or pistol grips.
- Open vs. Concealed Carry: If you’re licensed for open carry in your home state, you may still need to follow concealed carry-only laws in others.
“Gun owners must abide by the laws of the state they’re visiting,” Hayes emphasizes. “National Reciprocity is about recognizing permits, but it doesn’t mean you can ignore local restrictions.”
The Bottom Line
Trump’s support for National Reciprocity could mark a notable shift for gun owners, making it easier and safer to travel with their firearms.
However, as Hayes and Taylor cautioned, the road ahead is likely to include fierce legal battles and ongoing debates over states’ rights versus federal protections.
For Second Amendment supporters, National Reciprocity represents a step in ensuring gun rights are protected across all 50 states.
As Hayes puts it, “This is about safeguarding the fundamental right to self-defense, no matter where you are.”
As always, stay tuned for updates.
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If respect for the Law in the USA were real, SCOTUS would ban all states from passing any gun legislation, period. No provision in the Constitution allows left-wing legislators to push their anti-gun, authoritarian agendas. Let us start with all the Blue states and have SCOTUS eliminate their immunity protection from passing illegal legislation. Lawmakers must be held personally responsible for their acts. Treat them the same as any other citizen.
The book “More Guns, Less Crime” by John R. Lott reveals data that demonstrates the deterrence of firearms in preventing crime. The antigun folks don’t understand human behavior, they think more guns equals more crime. These same people think that not prosecuting thieves who steal under $950 makes sense!
Lets not forget the firearms suppressor boondoggle the ATF has with their fingers getting 200 bucks for every one and the totalitarian rules that govern even their possession. So away with the suppressor suppression.
Many truckers who can pass their states requirements, would grumble a bit still be grateful to be able to carry even a 5×38 from maine to sunny california, tho. Most would prefer a double-stack .30sc to 460 rowland and two long mags!
The darwin awards will be handed-out, of course, to much noise from the antigunners
What would this do for states that don’t require a carr permit? States that are constitutional carry like Missouri? If everyone who now carries here would have to get a permit, it would overwhelm the local sherifs and the state.
The problem I see, if National Reciprocity passed, is the absolute maze of gun laws from state to state as mentioned in the video. Magazine capacity, sensitive places bs, etc. I understand that there is state that under their carry laws says it is considered brandishing a weapon even if your cover garment accidentally exposed a portion of your holstered, inside the waistband firearm. Somehow, the firearm laws of all states would need to the same.
Make concealed carry law of the Land. NO PERMITS REQUIRED!!
Follow Alaska’s example of concealed carry being legal for all residents of Alaska.
National reciprocity was forced on the states with a carrot and stick approach, and even then, there are some states that will not recognize an out of state license but will require a cash bond as opposed to holding your permit for a traffic violation. Louisiana was one of those states when I lived there long long ago.The carrot was federal highway funds; the stick was the withholding highway funds. States needing the funds caved.
Marriage certificates are the equivalent of a judicial order or decree, and thus fall within the full faith and credit clause.
Carry permits are neither of the above.
Plus there is the practical aspect. It only takes one senator to initiate a filibuster, but it takes 60 votes to override it to get a bill to the floor for an up or down vote. Trump did not have 60 votes in his first administration, and McConnell prevented it from getting to the floor. Last I checked, there are only 53 Republican senators, and not all of them are in favor of such a bill. The senate would need to get a minimum of 7 votes from independents or democrats to override a filibuster. You can take it to the bank that Schumer will not allow a single Democrat to vote to overcome a filibuster. Therefore, at least until the next election in two years, no national reciprocity bill will be presented to Trump.
Expose RHINOS and vote them out!
they need to make it so the gun owner needs to only comply with their states gun laws because this can give the commies license to arrest every out of stater for violating some bullshit law!