Allowing Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry Their Handguns in Other States (S. 498)

What is S. 498?

(Updated March 7, 2021)

This bill would authorize people who are able to possess a firearm and are licensed to carry a concealed firearm to carry a concealed handgun outside of the state that granted their license in accordance with the laws of the state they are in. Concealed carry permit holders would be required to have their license or permit with them, in addition to a government-issued photo ID card.

Out-of-state concealed carry license or permit holders would be authorized to carry their firearm on the same terms that an unrestricted licensee from that state is able to.

Argument in favor

This bill resolves a problem that many states and concealed carry permit holders had encountered and allows permit holders to abide by state laws without fear of prosecution.

Argument opposed

States have differing requirements for concealed carry permit holders to obtain their licenses, and those with stringent requirements shouldn’t have to lower their standards for travelers.

Impact

Concealed carry permit holders who travel between states and wish to carry their firearms, state law enforcement agencies, and the federal government.

Cost of S. 498

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) explained that his legislation would enable concealed carry permits to operate “more or less like a driver’s license” that is valid in other states, but requires compliance with a non-issuing state's laws.

The National Rifle Association supports this bill on the grounds that:

“The current patchwork of state and local laws is confusing for even the most conscientious and well-informed concealed carry permit holders. This confusion often leads to law-abiding gun owners running afoul of the law when they exercise their right to self-protection while traveling or temporarily living away from home.”

Everytown for Gun Safety has expressed opposition to this legislation because, in their view:

“Federally imposed concealed carry laws interfere with states’ fundamental right to determine who is too dangerous to carry hidden, loaded guns in public.”

There are currently 32 Senators who have signed onto this bill as cosponsors, one of whom is a Democrat.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) Press Release
• Business Insider
• The Hill
• Townhall
• Washington Times
• Los Angeles Times (Op-Ed Opposed)