Twenty-four state attorneys general have formally urged Congress to pass H.R. 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,” which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms across state lines without violating local laws.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (2-minute read) — In a major push for Second Amendment protections, 24 state attorneys general, led by Oklahoma’s Gentner Drummond and West Virginia’s John B. McCuskey, have urged Congress to pass H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation would enable individuals legally permitted to carry concealed handguns in their home states to do so across state lines, provided those states also allow concealed carry.
The letter, dated May 21, 2025, was addressed to leadership in both the House and Senate. The AGs emphasized that H.R. 38 reinforces the rights of law-abiding gun owners without infringing on state sovereignty. The proposal does not override a state’s right to determine its own permitting process, designate firearm-restricted areas, or empower property owners to ban firearms on their premises.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Legal Unity Without Overreach
Supporters argue the bill merely seeks legal consistency for those who already comply with concealed carry laws. Under current conditions, traveling across state lines with a concealed firearm can lead to unintended legal trouble—even for responsible permit holders. The AGs stressed that H.R. 38 helps prevent such scenarios without diminishing any state’s authority over where and how firearms may be carried.
They also countered arguments from opponents who claim the bill weakens law enforcement safety. The AGs cited the Terry v. Ohio decision, confirming police retain the power to investigate suspicious behavior. Additionally, with more than half of U.S. states already operating under permitless or constitutional carry laws, they argued that national reciprocity simply acknowledges the growing standard.
Safety Tip: Before traveling with a concealed firearm, review the laws of the state you’re visiting. Even with potential reciprocity laws like H.R. 38, individual states may have unique location-based restrictions and notification requirements.
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