Two Republican senators introduced legislation to allow active-duty military service members to renew their concealed carry licenses by mail.
Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Jason Smith said last week that the U.S. Military Right to Carry Act will ease the burden of soldiers to renew their firearm licenses while stationed outside of the state where they permanently live. The law would require states to treat members of the military the same as state residents when it comes to issuing concealed carry permits.
“The military men and women who serve our country shouldn’t face endless red tape in order to exercise their constitutional right to carry firearms and maintain their concealed carry licenses,” Hawley said in a statement. “I’m proud to stand up for our service members and for their Second Amendment rights with this legislation.”
If a state doesn’t allow an active service member to renew their concealed carry weapon license by mail or through the same process available for residents of the state, the law would also seek to reduce a state’s federal grant funding.
Currently, many states require concealed carry license renewals through in-person appointments. They often also require residency within the state to renew the license, creating challenges for military members who may be stationed at different locations.
“If a member of the U.S. Armed Forces holds a concealed carry permit, they should be able to renew that permit by mail or be treated as a resident of the state in which they are stationed,” Smith said. “My bill is a critical step in ensuring the constitutional rights of our military members are protected regardless of where they’re stationed, allowing them to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
