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What They Are Saying: Hudson's Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill 'Long Overdue,' 'Game Changer'

February 4, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the opening day of the 117th Congress one month ago, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) introduced H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The legislation was introduced with a record 154 bipartisan original cosponsors. The legislation has since been referred to the Judiciary Committee and now has 166 cosponsors.

"Our Second Amendment rights do not disappear when we cross state lines, and H.R. 38 guarantees that," said Rep. Hudson at the time of introduction. "The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is a common sense solution to provide law-abiding citizens the right to conceal carry and travel freely between states without worrying about conflicting state codes or onerous civil suits. I am especially proud to have such widespread and bipartisan support for this measure and will work with my colleagues to get this legislation over the finish line."


Read what people are saying about this important legislation since it has been introduced:


NRA: "National reciprocity has long been the NRA's highest legislative priority to ensure that the fundamental right to self-defense does not end at the state line. The NRA thanks Rep. Hudson for his strong and consistent leadership in the march toward national reciprocity and commends H.R. 38 for immediate action in the U.S. House." - Representative Richard Hudson Reintroduces Bi-Partisan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, 1/7/21

U.S. Concealed Carry Association: "National Reciprocity: A Game Changer" - National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, 1/4/21

National Shooting Sports Foundation Senior VP and General Counsel Lawrence Keane: "This is a fix that's long overdue and Congressman Hudson's been trying to fix it for years. Congress had 20 million reasons to act before the end of the year. Now, they've got 21 million more." - The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is Long Overdue, 1/5/21

U.S. Concealed Carry Association President and Founder Tim Schmidt: "The USCCA thanks Congressman Hudson for his continued leadership in supporting those who have chosen the awesome responsibility of being their family's first line of defense." - U.S. Concealed Carry Association Applauds House Introduction of National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Legislation, 1/4/21

Game & Fish Magazine: "We thank Rep. Hudson for his leadership on behalf of America's hunters and recreational shooters." - NSSF: Thumbs Up to Concealed Carry Reciprocity Legislation, 1/5/21

Gun Owners of America: "This legislation prioritizes the rights of law-abiding citizens to concealed carry and the ability to travel freely between states without worrying about conflicting state codes." - GOA Endorses Rep. Hudson's Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, 1/4/21

Ammoland: "This historic and bipartisan number of 154 original sponsors demonstrates unity around the Second Amendment." - Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2021, H.R. 38 Gets Endorsement from GOA, 1/4/21

Bearing Arms: "With Democrats now in control of the House of Representatives, it's going to be a challenge for Hudson to get his bill heard in 2021, but the fact that he's already garnered bipartisan support for the measure is a good sign." - Does the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Have a Shot in Congress? 1/5/21

FreightWaves: "Bill that has record 154 original co-sponsors, including 3 Democrats, would benefit truckers," - New Congress reintroduces concealed-carry gun legislation, 1/5/21

CDL Life: "[H.R. 38] would cut through a confusing network of city, county, and state regulations and make it easier for truckers to protect themselves," - Lawmaker reintroduces concealed carry bill that would help truckers defend themselves when they cross state lines, 1/6/21

U.S. Concealed Carry Association: "Thank you, Congressman Hudson, for upholding our Second Amendment rights!" - Hope For the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act? 1/30/21

America's 1st Freedom: "It is noteworthy that this current bill has strong bipartisan support, which could be a huge factor in getting the CCRA passed this time around. Second Amendment supporters in general, and gun owners like Shaneen Allen, certainly hope so!" - A Long Overdue Solution to the Patchwork of Carry Laws, 1/15/21


Background:

H.R. 38 would allow people with state-issued concealed carry licenses or permits to conceal a handgun in any other state, as long as the permit holder follows the laws of that state. It also allows residents of Constitutional carry states the ability to carry in other states.

Rep. Hudson has introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act in previous years. In Dec. 2017, the bill passed in the U.S. House by a vote of 231-198, yet was not taken up in the U.S. Senate. Rep. Hudson said at the time he would continue to pursue the legislation until it reaches final passage.

H.R. 38, which is supported by major pro-Second Amendment groups, has previously been called "the greatest gun rights boost since the ratification of the Second Amendment in 1791." This legislation is part of Rep. Hudson's overall leadership in Congress to defend the Second Amendment on behalf of millions of law-abiding citizens. His recent efforts include leading a letter to the U.S. Attorney General and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) urging the agency to withdraw a proposed rule on pistol stabilizing braces. Following Rep. Hudson's outreach and calls on the public to submit comments, the ATF withdrew the rule on Dec. 23, 2020.


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