Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune yesterday introduced the Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (S.371), a bill that would allow individuals to carry lawfully concealed firearms across state lines, while at the same time respecting the laws of the host state.
"South Dakota is a state with responsible laws allowing citizens to protect themselves with concealed weapons," said Thune. "Law-abiding South Dakotans should be able to exercise the right to bear arms in states with similar regulations on concealed firearms."
According to economist and leading firearms researcher John Lott, Jr., states with concealed carry laws enjoy significantly lower violent crime rates. His data shows that for every year a state has a concealed carry law, the murder rate declines by three percent, rape by two percent, and robberies by over two percent.
Currently, some states with concealed carry laws grant reciprocity to permit-holders from other select states. Senator Thune's bill strikes the appropriate balance between individual and states' rights by allowing an individual to carry a concealed firearm across state lines if they either have a valid permit or if, under their state of residence, they are entitled to do so.
Traveling individuals must follow the laws of the host state, including laws concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may or may not be carried.
"South Dakota is a state with responsible laws allowing citizens to protect themselves with concealed weapons," said Thune. "Law-abiding South Dakotans should be able to exercise the right to bear arms in states with similar regulations on concealed firearms."
According to economist and leading firearms researcher John Lott, Jr., states with concealed carry laws enjoy significantly lower violent crime rates. His data shows that for every year a state has a concealed carry law, the murder rate declines by three percent, rape by two percent, and robberies by over two percent.
Currently, some states with concealed carry laws grant reciprocity to permit-holders from other select states. Senator Thune's bill strikes the appropriate balance between individual and states' rights by allowing an individual to carry a concealed firearm across state lines if they either have a valid permit or if, under their state of residence, they are entitled to do so.
Traveling individuals must follow the laws of the host state, including laws concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may or may not be carried.