The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would allow a person with a concealed pistol license in one state to concealed-carry their weapon in other states.
The “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” passed with 231 representatives voting for it and 198 voting against. Six Democrats voted for the measure, while 14 Republicans voted against.
The passage of the bill in the House “is a huge win for freedom,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). Other members of Congress, however, felt differently.
“The bill is horrible,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). If passed, Nadler worries, the bill would “rob every state of the ability to maintain standards in concealed carry,” instead causing a “race to the bottom” in which the entire country would have to adhere to the loosest standards set by any one state.
Now the bill must go to the U.S. Senate, where Democrats intend to push back strongly, according to a recent article in the Huffington Post. Primary objections include the way in which a national concealed-carry option undermines individual states’ efforts to control who may conceal a weapon inside their own borders.
In addition to the change in concealed carry laws, the bill includes several other proposals. For instance, it includes provisions to revamp the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), an issue that has been on the radar of many policymakers after a recent mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The bill also asks the Justice Department to issue an official position on whether additional criminal penalties can be imposed if an alleged shooter uses a “bump stock.”
Weapons charges can be serious, and they can make an already-complex criminal case even more complicated. Fighting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can help you secure a better outcome. To learn more, contact The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen today. Call us at 856-830-6433 or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
