Patrick
MSI Executive Member
Just got off the phone with Representative Cliff Stearn's office (Florida's Sixth) about H.R. 822 :
"To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State."
This is the National Reciprocity Bill we have been waiting for. It is the House version of the Thune Amendment. This action is coordinated with Senator Thune.
Text is not available, but here are some details:
There are some minor differences between the Senate and House versions right now, mainly having to do with some definitions and terms. The key points are in agreement.
Also, the question of what to do with Vermont: Vermont does not offer permits to their residents. They are Constitutional Carry. There is no answer yet. They are working it.
In terms of timing and approach, there are several options on the table. They are working them all and are serious about getting this through the sausage factory in a format that the president will sign.
My Thoughts:
There are bound to be some disappointed people in Maryland, California and elsewhere over this simply because it does not extend permits our way. That would be a step too far for the legislation right now - remember that there is no recognized right to bear arms in public right now. That is what all these cases we discuss (Woollard, Palmer, Richards, etc.) are doing: establishing that jurisprudence. This law will eventually apply to us.
In the meantime, it is important to recognize what this does in May-Issue states. Virginia permit holders will have unrestricted carry permits in Maryland. Read that again.
This helps all of us. It proves that lawfully armed citizens are not going to destroy the state. It will increase pressure on our politicians when it is demonstrated that the "blood on the streets" predictions are hollow. The simple fact is that the people of Virginia will have greater access to their right in Maryland than its own residents. This will make a difference.
H/T to John at OnlyGunsAndMoney for originally breaking the story last night.
"To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State."
This is the National Reciprocity Bill we have been waiting for. It is the House version of the Thune Amendment. This action is coordinated with Senator Thune.
Text is not available, but here are some details:
- Provides National Reciprocity for people that have permits from their home state
- DOES NOT extend carry privileges to those who live in no-issue or may-issue states. We must still fight the good fight in the courts.
- Requires that a state recognize a valid out-of-state permit at the equivalent level of their highest, or unrestricted, permit given to their own citizens.
- While it preempts the obvious state laws, it in no way attempts to override local regulations regarding the manner, wear or carry of a weapon. So if it is illegal to bear arms in a restaurant with a bar in a North Carolina, you will not be exempt from these rules because you are from out of state. You need to know the rules where you carry.
- There is a severability clause. If any portion is struck down, the remaining portions survive.
- You will need to have a valid state ID with your permit when you carry.
There are some minor differences between the Senate and House versions right now, mainly having to do with some definitions and terms. The key points are in agreement.
Also, the question of what to do with Vermont: Vermont does not offer permits to their residents. They are Constitutional Carry. There is no answer yet. They are working it.
In terms of timing and approach, there are several options on the table. They are working them all and are serious about getting this through the sausage factory in a format that the president will sign.
My Thoughts:
There are bound to be some disappointed people in Maryland, California and elsewhere over this simply because it does not extend permits our way. That would be a step too far for the legislation right now - remember that there is no recognized right to bear arms in public right now. That is what all these cases we discuss (Woollard, Palmer, Richards, etc.) are doing: establishing that jurisprudence. This law will eventually apply to us.
In the meantime, it is important to recognize what this does in May-Issue states. Virginia permit holders will have unrestricted carry permits in Maryland. Read that again.
This helps all of us. It proves that lawfully armed citizens are not going to destroy the state. It will increase pressure on our politicians when it is demonstrated that the "blood on the streets" predictions are hollow. The simple fact is that the people of Virginia will have greater access to their right in Maryland than its own residents. This will make a difference.
H/T to John at OnlyGunsAndMoney for originally breaking the story last night.
This is a step in the right direction.
