Wicker, Cochran Want Gun Permits Recognized Nationwide

JACKSON (AP) – Mississippi Republican Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker are co-sponsors of bill that would require most states to recognize permits other states issue that allow people to carry concealed firearms.

A similar GOP-led effort died in the Senate in 2013. Wicker and Cochran supported the bill last year.

While extending concealed carry privileges, the legislation recognizes state’s rights and does not provide for a national concealed carry permit.

“Second amendment rights shouldn’t stop at the state line,” Cochran said in a news release Tuesday. “It makes sense to allow law-abiding gun owners to take their concealed permit privileges with them to states that also allow conceal carry permits.”

The bill’s lead author is Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. The bill has been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“This legislation would ensure this right is not limited to the state where the concealed carry permit was issued,” Wicker said. “It responsibly grants legal gun owners the same freedom in states with concealed carry laws.”

Opponents have argued the plan would let people from states with loose requirements for the permits bring weapons into states with tougher standards.

Gun rights advocates argue people with such permits should be able to carry concealed weapons elsewhere.