The Supreme Court’s decision to take up a New York gun case is sparking optimism for a national concealed carry reciprocity law.
“That certainly gives us momentum,” said North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, author of the national reciprocity legislation, H.R. 38.
This week, the court, in its first gun case in over 12 years, said it would hear a challenge to a New York law that allows residents to carry a concealed handgun only after proving a special need.
Thank you, @RepRichHudson! #HR38 ?? pic.twitter.com/My349xT3Yv
— NRA (@NRA) January 4, 2021
Opponents said the hurdle essentially bars people from getting a license. Several states allow concealed carry, and some don’t even require a license.
Second Amendment rights supporters, and those advocating for concealed carry reciprocity, believe that the judges will rule against New York, paving the way for national reciprocity.
#ICYMI: The Supreme Court will hear a case challenging New York’s misguided concealed carry policy that restricts Americans’ right to self-defense. A decision could very well impact all states that restrict concealed carry outside their home. https://t.co/WXDgy35AkY
— USCCA (@USCCA) April 27, 2021
“It is very fortuitous that this is going to the Supreme Court,” said Tim Schmidt, the president and founder of the United States Concealed Carry Association. “That’s good news.”
In a sign of confidence, the Senate GOP companion to Hudson’s bill was offered in the Senate today. Lead sponsor Texas Sen. John Cornyn said, “This bill focuses on two of our country’s most fundamental constitutional protections — the Second Amendment’s right of citizens to keep and bear arms and the Tenth Amendment’s right of states to make laws best-suited for their residents.”
There are about 37 states that grant reciprocity, though the rules are different in each one.
The court action comes as gun sales are at an all-time high, with many sales to new owners, especially minorities and women. Also, attendance at classes for handguns used in self-defense are at historic levels.
Schmidt’s group, which provides training and legal services to members, has also seen his group surge to nearly 600,000.
Hudson said the public backs the expansion of gun rights despite attacks by liberals, including President Joe Biden.
The Second Amendment, he said, “is really the fundamental right that guarantees all your other rights can’t be taken away.”
