Richard Hudson, the U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 9th District, announced that the bipartisan legislation he introduced would require all states to recognize concealed carry permits, ensuring legal firearm owners are not penalized when traveling. The statement was made on X.
“If you have a concealed carry permit, EVERY STATE should recognize it when you travel,” said Hudson. “Just like a driver’s license. It’s time we pass my bipartisan H.R. 38. Ensure law-abiding Americans exercising their 2A rights are NOT made into criminals when crossing state lines.”
In January 2025, Representative Hudson introduced H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. According to Congress.gov, this bill aims to allow individuals with valid concealed carry permits to legally carry in any other state that permits concealed carry. The legislation seeks to simplify firearm laws for law-abiding gun owners crossing state lines and argues for nationwide consistency in Second Amendment rights. It is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee and has sparked debate over state sovereignty versus constitutional protections.
As of 2023, approximately 22.01 million Americans hold active concealed handgun permits, with Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania leading in permit volume. A report by the Crime Prevention Research Center published on SSRN indicates that concealed carry permits grew by 2.3% from the previous year. However, reciprocity remains uneven—some states honor out-of-state permits while others do not—creating legal uncertainty for travelers with concealed weapons.
According to Hudson’s official website, legal inconsistencies between state laws have led to the arrest of concealed carry permit holders traveling across state lines. One incident involved a Florida woman arrested in New Jersey despite having a valid concealed carry permit in her home state, highlighting the need for federal reciprocity legislation. Such incidents are used by advocates to underscore the risk to lawful gun owners under current state-by-state laws.
Representative Richard Hudson has served in the U.S. House since 2013 and is a staunch advocate for Second Amendment rights. His official House biography notes that Hudson has introduced key legislation like H.R. 38, which aims to enhance concealed carry reciprocity across states. He prioritizes efforts to simplify gun laws, reduce regulatory burdens, and protect individual liberties while aligning his work with a strong commitment to constitutional rights and public safety.
