Right-to-Carry Bill Introduced in Senate

Two Democrats and a Republican introduced a bill in the Senate to allow concealed-weapon permit holders to carry their guns into other states.

Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012, an NRA-backed initiative that is similar to a bill that passed the House last fall 272-164.

“I’m leading the effort to provide consistency so law-abiding gun owners can carry concealed firearms in every state that permits them without having to navigate confusing rules and regulations in different states,” Begich said. “The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right and part of who we are as Alaskans and Americans. This bill is one more step in my ongoing efforts to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”

In 2009, a similar bill was offered as an amendment but was beaten back by a Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) filibuster.

“This legislation respects the rights of law-abiding citizens by allowing them to defend themselves across state lines,” Crapo said. “Most importantly, they would still have to comply with all the firearms laws of the state in which they travel. The act facilitates the ability of states to design a system for concealed-carrier firearms in a fair way, while protecting the rights of states to honor all of their firearms laws.”