National Concealed Carry Bill Passes House Of Representatives

A bill that would allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines, passed the House of Representatives Wednesday. It was first introduced by North Carolina Congressman Richard Hudson, who represents the 8th district.

It still faces hurdles, but if it becomes law, concealed carry permits from our state would be valid nationwide.

Local concealed carry instructors, like Tyres Tatum, say it's about time for a law like this one: where permits you get here in our state are recognized in others.

“For those who are permit holders, is going to simplify the legality of where they can and cannot carry,” he said.

Tatum has taught concealed carry classes for more than a decade. He doesn't let people pass the class without a full understanding of their rights and responsibilities. But once they do, he and many of his students believe their right to carry concealed shouldn't stop at state lines.

“This is historical. We have never in the history had this much freedom to be able to carry,” he said, “We've been segmented, consequently - I don't go to New York. I don't go to Illinois and I have no intention if this bill doesn't pass.”

“Most people that have a concealed carry, you will never know that they have their gun,” said Doug Isley, who got his permit a year ago, “They are just exercising their Second Amendment right. They're not going to show it to anybody, and they won't tell anybody about it.”

Although it passed in the House, not everyone is on board with it. Some lawmakers believe this bill is dangerous -- and disregards the rules in each state

North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams stated, in part: "It's outrageous that Congress just voted to pass a gun bill that tramples state's rights and endangers our communities, all to appease the NRA. We need gun control now."

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.