Hinds Today

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi have joined Senator John Cornyn of Texas in reintroducing the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, known as S.65. This legislation aims to allow individuals with concealed carry permits in their home state to exercise that right in any other state where concealed carry is permitted, provided they comply with the host state's laws.

Senator Wicker stated, "Requiring gun owners to obtain multiple permits to cross state lines is simply wasteful and unnecessary." He emphasized his support for Americans' constitutional right to bear arms, describing the legislation as a step in the right direction.

Senator Hyde-Smith added, "Whether you are driving or carrying concealed, the principle should be the same – your rights travel with you." She described the bill as sensible and straightforward, aiming to simplify life for responsible gun owners while bolstering Second Amendment protections.

The proposed act would treat concealed carry permits similarly to driver's licenses. Permit holders could use their home-state permit in other states but must adhere to local laws regarding firearm restrictions.

The bill allows states to maintain their own rules without imposing a uniform mandate from Washington.

Besides Wicker and Hyde-Smith, original cosponsors of S.65 include Majority Leader John Thune, Thom Tillis, Ted Cruz, Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Bill Hagerty, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Jim Risch, Marsha Blackburn, Pete Ricketts, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, James Lankford, Katie Britt, Lindsey Graham, Bill Cassidy, Cynthia Lummis, Ted Budd, Ron Johnson, Tim Sheehy, John Kennedy, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines Eric Schmitt Todd Young Dan Sullivan John Barrasso Jim Banks Tim Scott Bernie Moreno Deb Fischer Jerry Moran Mike Rounds John Curtis John Boozman Joni Ernst John Hoeven Shelley Moore Capito Markwayne Mullin and David McCormick.