Rep. Thomas Massie Introduces Bill Calling for National Constitutional Carry

Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) has introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act (H.R. 9534) which seeks to ensure that the right of Americans to carry firearms in public spaces is protected throughout the country.

Rather than pushing for a federal law creating reciprocity between states that require a permit to carry a firearm, Massie’s bill would prohibit states from requiring their citizens to get a permit in the first place.

I introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act to prohibit states from requiring a permit to carry a firearm.

No one should have to beg the government to exercise a constitutionally protected right anywhere in the country.

Let’s get this done!https://t.co/Jze41D5FwL

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 7, 2024

In a press release, Massie said:

I’m fortunate to live in a state where people are free to exercise their right to keep and bear arms without begging the government or paying a fee. Unfortunately, not every American enjoys the same right to carry firearms in public because some states and localities infringe upon this right through a variety of criminal, civil, and regulatory penalties. By prohibiting state or local restrictions on the right to bear arms, H.R. 9534 upholds the original purpose of the Second Amendment—to ensure the security of a free state—while safeguarding individual liberties against government infringement.

The proposed legislation has two main provisions with the first one prohibiting “any state or political subdivision from imposing criminal or civil penalties on eligible individuals carrying firearms in public.”

The second provision would invalidate any “state or local laws, statutes, regulations, or local restrictions that criminalize, penalize, or otherwise dissuade the carrying of firearms in public.”

If enacted, the National Constitutional Carry Act would cover all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all other U.S. territories to ensure that residents of all U.S. jurisdictions enjoy consistent protection of their rights under the Second Amendment.

So far, 29 states have adopted constitutional carry laws and Hunter King of the National Association for Gun Rights says, “With numerous states affirming citizens’ rights to bear arms without excessive government regulation, it’s about time Congress follows suit.”