Your Constitutional Rights Should Not Stop At The State Line

As Missourians, we're fortunate to have strong concealed carry laws that help to support our 2nd Amendment rights. Currently, Missouri has agreements with 36 other states recognizing our concealed carry permits and by extension, the right to protect ourselves and our families.

However, if you are a law-abiding citizen, you shouldn't be fearful of breaking the law in any state for merely crossing a state line with your concealed firearm. It's ridiculous to think that if you meet the proper requirements to conceal a firearm in the state of Missouri you could still be breaking the law by traveling to another state.

The way I see it, this is an issue that can be easily resolved. If you take a concealed carry class and receive your permit, you should be allowed to carry your firearm in any state. Period.

Your Constitutional rights should not stop at any state line.

That's why I ‘m proud to have cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 which passed the House this week.

This common-sense legislation will enable concealed carry permit holders to carry their firearm in any state, just like you do with your driver's license. If you pay the fees and take the classes, carrying a concealed weapon should be your right regardless of where you are. This bill secures that right.

Contrary to what liberal gun grabbers like former big-city mayor Michael Bloomberg say, this bill doesn't make it easier to buy a gun, avoid a background check or get around current gun laws. In fact, it ensures that the laws we already have on the books are enforced.

Concealed carry reciprocity ensures that our citizens are able and ready to legally defend themselves wherever, should the need ever arise.