Ross votes to strengthen second amendment rights

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott on Wednesday voted for a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would require states that issue concealed firearm permits to recognize concealed carry permits from other states. Ross said the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, H.R. 822, which he helped introduce, would strengthen Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens across the country. The bill passed 272-154 with bipartisan support in the House and must now be considered by the U.S. Senate.

“If you get a driver’s license in Arkansas, it’s recognized in every state in the country. Then, why can’t we do the same for concealed carry permits?” asked Ross, who is also Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force. “Our Second Amendment rights to own and bear arms are universal and our laws should reflect that as best they can. The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act would allow every law-abiding, American citizen with a valid, state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in all states that allow them for lawful purposes.”

Currently, 49 states have laws permitting concealed carry of a firearm in some circumstances and a person would be required to apply for a new permit every time they crossed a state line. This legislation would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm carry permit or license to carry a concealed handgun in any other state that allows concealed firearms.

“This bill does not change any state laws about when and where you can carry a concealed firearm, nor does it create a new federal licensing system,” said Ross. “It simply reinforces our Second Amendment rights and makes the laws fairer for law-abiding gun owners. As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe we must pass the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act as soon as possible.”