On Wednesday, a group of 41 Republican senators filed a new bill that complements efforts already underway in the House to knock down state barriers to concealed carry.  

Dubbed the "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" and filed as S.65, the legislation is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The proposal would ensure that the concealed carry rights in a person's home state follow them into any other state. In short, it would treat state-issued concealed carry permits like driver's licenses. It mimics most of H.R. 38, introduced into the House last week with 108 co-sponsors. 

"Responsible gun owners shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to exercise their constitutional right when visiting other concealed carry states," said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a co-sponsor. "This bill would reduce confusion and legal inconsistencies for law-abiding Americans, while also respecting states’ rights to set their own laws."

All the major pro-gun groups endorse the bill including the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Gun Owners of America. 

"Congress has the opportunity to deliver the greatest legislative victory for the gun rights movement in a century, and President Trump has already voiced his support," said GOA Director of Federal Affairs Aidan Johnston in a statement. "With all 50 states now issuing concealed carry permits, 49 states allowing nonresident carry, and 29 states with permitless or Constitutional Carry, it is simply common sense for Congress to ensure that each state’s concealed carry license is valid in every other state."

During his 2024 election campaign, President Trump promised to sign concealed carry reciprocity legislation, saying, "Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line."

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