
House Republicans, with the strong support of President Donald Trump, are advancing legislation to expand gun rights by ensuring nationwide recognition of concealed carry permits. The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), introduced by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), seeks to provide consistency for millions of firearm owners across the country.
The proposal, which has garnered over 120 co-sponsors in the House, allows individuals with state-issued concealed carry permits to carry in any other state, provided they follow local firearm regulations. Those living in Constitutional Carry states, where permits are not required, would also be covered under this bill.
🚨 BREAKING: @RepRichHudson has introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to ensure our Second Amendment rights don’t end at a state line.
➡️ https://t.co/dKQLOKgOLz pic.twitter.com/IWyOz1smlv
— NRA (@NRA) January 8, 2025
Hudson emphasized the need for clarity and fairness in firearm laws. “This commonsense legislation ensures responsible gun owners are protected wherever they go,” he said.
Why can I drive across state lines with my Texas driver’s license, but my Second Amendment rights get left at the border? It’s time for that to change. Thanks to Rep. Richard Hudson’s **Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38)**, we’re seeing real momentum toward… pic.twitter.com/K5pu82whgE
— Colion Noir (@MrColionNoir) January 28, 2025
Gun rights organizations, such as the NRA and Gun Owners of America, are praising the initiative as a major victory for the Second Amendment. Advocates argue that the current patchwork of state laws creates confusion and risks for law-abiding permit holders traveling between states.
Donald Trump announces that he'll sign national concealed carry reciprocity! HELL YEAH! pic.twitter.com/RUJffZmu9n
— American Firearms Association (@2A_Freedom) November 10, 2024
States with strict gun laws, including New York and California, continue to resist reciprocity agreements and enforce broad restrictions on concealed carry. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling reaffirming the right to carry firearms, these states have expanded regulations designating numerous “sensitive areas” as off-limits.
"Your right to carry shouldn't end at state borders." – GOA's Senior VP, @erichmpratt
Have you called your Representative and told them to support HR 38, Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act yet? (202) 224-3121☎️ pic.twitter.com/rcDv5lrU0H
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) January 13, 2025
The proposed legislation does not override individual state gun laws but ensures that permits are recognized nationwide. If passed, it would protect nearly 22 million concealed carry permit holders from legal challenges and provide consistent protections for all lawful gun owners.