Last week, the House passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The bill ensures that an individual’s 2nd amendment right extends beyond the borders of their home state. Valid, state-issued concealed carry permits would now be recognized across state lines.
Law enforcement officers can still make a brief investigative stop if they have a reasonable suspicion that an individual is violating any law.
The bill also retains the ability of private individuals and state or local governments to restrict the possession of concealed firearms on certain property and clarifies that the federal, state, and local law enforcement are not subject to gun restrictions in federally-defined school zones. Federal judges are provided the same right to concealed carry as off-duty and retired federal law enforcement officers
The bill also makes updates to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Federal agencies will be required to annually report and certify compliance with NICS. Failure to comply will result in penalties. The bill reauthorizes the NICA Improvement Act and increases records submission assistance for states.
Additionally, the bill requires that the Attorney General report to Congress within 180 days on the type of firearms that bump stocks can be used with, the number of instances of the use of bump stocks in the commission of a crime, and whether existing firearms penalties apply to the use of bump stocks. Every 2 years, the Attorney General is also required to report on the improvements made to NICS and law enforcement shall be notified when a prohibited person received a firearm in error.
Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.
