Reciprocity Key Pro-Gun Effort in Many States
by Joseph P. Tartaro
Executive Editor
While the 50 states may extend full faith and credit in recognizing the legality of motor vehicles licenses issued in just one state, licenses to concealed carry pistols for personal defense are another matter altogether. In the absence of federal legislation giving concealed pistol licenses (CPLs) the same recognition as driver’s licenses, gun rights and self-defense activists have been pressing their cause through a variety of reciprocity laws.
And as this issue of Gun Week goes to press, we report encouraging news on the reciprocity front from several states. In many states, legislation is needed to authorize and structure a process for arranging agreements within the states. Once the legislation is passed, as it was in Texas, there seems to be a continuing stream of announcements of new agreements.
In Texas recently, Attorney General Greg Abbott negotiated and Gov. Rick Perry has signed such an agreement with North Carolina in which each state will recognize the CPLs issued to citizens of the other state. Both Texas and North Carolina have already reached reciprocity agreements with several other states.
In several states, previously enacted reciprocity legislation is being fine-tuned, primarily to extend the self-protection value of a given state to citizens when traveling beyond the borders of their home state. For example, in Arizona, which already has some provision for reciprocity, lawmakers are considering HB-2409, which requires the Arizona Department of Public Safety to enter into CPL reciprocity agreements with other states, which would benefit Arizona residents when traveling as well as tourists visiting the state. HB-2409 has already passed the state’s House Judiciary Committee. (See story below left regarding action on CPL recognition by South Dakota lawmakers.)
Now, Senate Bill 1135, a proposal in the Idaho legislature that would make it easier for residents who have CPLs to carry their firearms in other states without risking arrest, is before the state legislature, according to The Idaho Press-Tribune.
SB-1135 would give Idaho’s attorney general the ability to negotiate agreements with other states so Idaho permits would be recognized elsewhere.
Jim Combe of Nampa, who has a CPL, said the state needs to take the step so gunowners can take their firearms for self-defense on the road.
“A criminal won’t ask you what state you’re from before he cuts your throat and takes whatever he wants to get money for his next drug fix,” Combe said. “Wherever you happen to be, you need to be able to protect yourself.”
Idaho law already recognizes permits from other states as long as the holder of the permit has the document in their possession. But laws vary from state to state, and it’s difficult for Idaho CPL holders to know if their permits are good when they’re traveling.
Sen. Gerry Sweet (R-Meridian) is pressing for passage of SB-1135, saying he’s concerned Idahoans could inadvertently get in trouble in other states.
“What we’re trying to do is hopefully encourage the attorney general’s office to strike up negotiations with as many states as possible,” Sweet said. “Once you have an agreement, then we know that our law-abiding citizens are protected.”
Gunowners would still be responsible for following all state and federal laws. Concealed firearms aren’t allowed on planes, for instance. And many states don’t allow guns—even with a concealed carry license—at schools, jails, churches, restaurants that sell alcohol and other places.
The new law also calls for the Idaho State Police to keep records of any permit agreements between states, which will be made available to the public. Citizens could access a State Police website for information.
Canyon County Sen. Patti Anne Lodge supports the proposal. She said “This gives the attorney general the ability to negotiate with other states so that people will know,” Lodge said. “We already accept other states’ permits and we’re asking for equal treatment.”
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