CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY: Vote Imminent

Prevention of Gun Violence & Violence Against Women Working Group C2A

THE ISSUE

The “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, co-sponsored by Bruce Poliquin, would require all states to recognize a concealed carry permit issued by any other state. All states currently allow concealed carry in some form, but the laws in each state vary widely. Some require permits and training, while others do not. Some states prohibit non-residents from carrying within their borders, while others have weaker standards, including issuing permits to convicted felons. A national concealed carry reciprocity law would essentially turn the weakest state laws into the law of the land, and would make all of us less safe. Violent crime is 13% to 15% higher in right-to-carry states than in states without such legislation, and each year 33,000 people in the US die as a result of gun violence. Everytown for Gun Safety, U.S Conference of Mayors, Americans for Responsible Solution, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence, and other organizations oppose concealed carry reciprocity. In an attempt to erode opposition, the House GOP cleverly concealed their dangerous bill in a bipartisan proposal to improve our national background check system. The bill recently passed in the House, and now moves to the Senate. Gun violence prevention groups advocate opposing this bill, despite its background check companion.

THE ACTION

• Let Poliquin know what you think about his co-sponsorship of H.R. 38. Call him at (202) 225-6306, and share your concerns on his social media posts on Facebook and Twitter
• Join Moms Demand Action in their phone banking efforts, or text “DANGEROUS” to 644-33
• Ask Collins and King to oppose the Senate version when it comes to the floor.