North Kentucky News

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act, also known as H.R. 645, in Washington, D.C. This legislation aims to protect the right of Americans to carry firearms in public spaces across all states by reinforcing Second Amendment rights.

Rep. Massie explained his motivation for introducing the bill: "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," he said. "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. By prohibiting state or local restrictions on the right to bear arms, H.R. 645 upholds the original purpose of the Second Amendment—to ensure the security of a free state—while safeguarding individual liberties against government infringement."

The proposed legislation consists of two key provisions. The first prevents any state or political subdivision from imposing penalties on eligible individuals carrying firearms publicly. The second provision nullifies existing laws that criminalize or discourage carrying firearms in public areas. This act covers all U.S. states, including territories such as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Support for Massie's bill comes from gun rights organizations like the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) and the American Firearms Association (AFA). Hunter King from NAGR stated, “Currently, 29 states have adopted constitutional carry laws, yet contrary to the warnings of gun control advocates, there's no evidence of rampant violence or 'wild west' scenarios." Patrick Parsons from AFA added support by saying that constitutional carry laws have not led to increased violence.

The bill has several original cosponsors including Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), among others.