WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., have cosponsored a bill to allow persons with concealed carry permits to use them in other states with similar laws. The “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” is authored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

“This sensible measure would ensure that gun owners in possession of a concealed carry permit can exercise that freedom in other states,” Wicker said. “The plan takes great care to respect state sovereignty while upholding Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”

“The privilege to carry a concealed weapon is extended to law-abiding gun owners.  It just makes sense that they should be able to exercise that freedom in states that also allow concealed carry permits,” Cochran said.  “I hope the Senate gives this legislation fair consideration soon.”

Wicker and Cochran cosponsored similar legislation, S.1908, in the previous Congress.

Although the bill, S.498, extends concealed carry privileges, it does not provide for a national concealed carry permit. The proposal also respects state laws regarding the types of locations in which firearms can be carried, as well as the types of firearms that may be carried by the visiting individual.

The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.