The proposed National Constitutional Carry Act would prohibit states and local jurisdictions from imposing civil or criminal penalties on individuals who carry firearms in public as long as they are eligible under federal law. One of the key provisions of the bill is to nullify existing state and local laws that restrict the public carrying of firearms. If enacted, this would enable Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights across state lines without additional legal barriers, effectively creating a nationwide constitutional carry system. “No one should have to beg the government to exercise a constitutionally protected right anywhere in the country,” Massie wrote in a post on X.Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has introduced legislation that would allow Americans to open-carry firearms across the U.S. without the need for state-issued permits.
Today, I introduced HR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act.
No one should have to beg the government to exercise a constitutionally protected right anywhere in the country. pic.twitter.com/xSI0Ed21ul
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) September 11, 2024 Currently, 29 states in the U.S. have constitutional carry laws in place, allowing eligible residents to carry firearms without a permit. The bill argues that certain states and localities have enacted gun control laws that conflict with the Second Amendment and the country's tradition of firearm regulation. "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," the Kentucky congressman said in a statement. “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,” he added. “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 bill would apply to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. While it may pass in the Republican-controlled House, it is expected to face significant opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate and is unlikely to be signed into law by President Joe Biden. Despite receiving support from some conservative circles, there is frustration even among gun rights advocates that such legislation is necessary. “Thomas Massie introduced HR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act. It’s so sad we have to create a new bill that basically says… honor the constitution…..” an X account named Native Patriot posted after Massie’s announcement.
Thomas Massie introduced HR 9534, the National Constitutional Carry Act.
It’s so sad we have to create a new bill that basically says… honor the constitution….. pic.twitter.com/trCWE5sLKq
— 🪶Native Patriot 🇺🇸 (@LaNativePatriot) September 12, 2024
