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Act Would Allow Concealed Weapons Permit Holders to Carry in Other Jurisdictions

"Respecting State's Rights and Concealed and Carry Reciprocity Act"

If the "Respecting State's Rights and Concealed and Carry Reciprocity Act" becomes law, it would allow those with concealed weapons permits from one jurisdiction to legally carry a concealed weapon into other jurisdictions which may currently prohibit the practice. If the measure -- an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill -- passes, said New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine in a release, the state will file a lawsuit to have the law declared unconstitutional.

The National Rifle Association terms the measure the "Right to Carry Reciprocity Act" and on its Web site says that "Under the Thune-Vitter amendment, an individual who has met the requirements for a carry permit, or who is otherwise allowed by his home state's state law to carry a firearm, would be authorized to carry a firearm for protection in any other state that issues such permits, subject to the laws of the state in which the firearm is carried."

[Update: the measure fell two votes short of Senate approval.]

Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.