A new bill “Fix NICS” Act introduced in US legislative houses is aimed at improving gun control rules of the country.
The first bipartisan bill in years on gun control, it has been largely backed by the House and also has sufficient Senate Republican support to clear it through any opposition.
But some lawmakers in the House have added fresh provisions to this bill which converts the package into one that will loosen gun control laws.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity Reduces States’ Control On Guns Entering Its Borders
The “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” requires every state to recognize the concealed carry rules of other states- even when the other states have little or no standards. Furthermore the law also doesn’t provide for a national standard for concealed carry.
While the “Fix NICS”, seeks to make the country safer by strengthening the gun control laws, the “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” is likely to do the opposite.
Under the “Fix NICS”, a few more details captured and submitted by state and federal authorities to the national system can help in the gun-sale background check process. It is also likely to incentivize states to comply as it includes payment for the states. The idea is that having more robust records in the system is likely to reduce the chances that a felon is able to procure a gun.
- The “Fix NICS” will keep guns away from those convicted of domestic abuse while the “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” will allow them to carry
- The “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” will leave local law enforcement authorities powerless in stopping people with violent records from carrying guns
With “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” , the House Judiciary Committee found that the bill will allow those convicted of violent misdemeanours to carry guns across the country. Around 12 states in the country don’t require a background check or a permit to carry, while 19 states don’t mandate gun safety training for carrying.
Conceal Carry Reciprocity Opposed By Many
The opposition to Concealed Carry Reciprocity is widespread. Several law enforcement authorities oppose it including
- The American Prosecutors Association
- The U.S. Conference of Mayors.
- National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence
Ordinary Americans also oppose it as shown by a recent Pew survey which revealed that 81% oppose allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
The Senate must listen to these voices of opposition and reject the combined bill with “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” and only clear the version with just “Fix NICS” that strengthens gun controls in the country.
