Congressman Tiahrt's Self Defense Bill

This is a man to get behind. I have been following him and receiving his email updates for some time now. This bill is one we need all gun owners and advocates to be supporting and getting their local Congressman to support......

Tiahrt Co-sponsors 2nd Amendment Self Defense Bill

03/27/09

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today co-sponsored the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill (H.R. 197). This legislation would protect the rights of licensed firearm permit holders by allowing them to carry firearms across the country without a confusing patchwork system.

"The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill recognizes that those who have a valid state-issued concealed firearms permit should not have to forfeit their safety when traveling," said Tiahrt. "Not only does this bill protect the rights of concealed firearm permit holders, it also maintains the right of states to issue concealed weapons permits as they desire. As a mobile society, legal firearm permit carriers should be able to travel from state to state and exercise their fundamental right to self defense—this legislation ensures that."

Specifically, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Bill would allow any person with a valid concealed firearm carrying permit or license, issued by a state, to carry a concealed firearm in any state, as follows:

• In states that issue concealed firearm permits, a state’s laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders.
• In states that do not issue carry permits, a federal "bright-line" standard would permit carrying in places other than police stations; courthouses; public polling places; meetings of state, county, or municipal governing bodies; schools; passenger areas of airports; and certain other locations.
• The bill applies to D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.
• It would not create a federal licensing system; it would require the states to recognize each others’ carry permits, just as they recognize drivers’ licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.