Breitbart News sat down with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) on Thursday to discuss state reciprocity, and he said recent major developments in legislation on the issue have seen it receive bipartisan support. He made it clear that he meant that he was getting something.
On January 8, 2025, Breitbart News reported on Hudson's introduction of HR 38, entitled the Constitutional Carry Reciprocity Act.
The Hudson Act would create a scenario where concealed carry permits would be treated like driver's licenses in that a permit from one state would be valid in 49 other states. Additionally, as the title of the Act indicates, the Hudson Act applies to residents of the following states: Under the Constitution, if you prove your state residency, you can carry your phone around the country.
When we spoke to Mr. Hudson about all this and asked him for an update on the situation, he had this to say: Jared Golden (D-ME) supports this bill, so it is now bipartisan. And I think there are a few more Democrats that we can get behind. ”
When we reported on the Hudson bill on January 8, the number of House members supporting it was about 120, and now there are 163.
Related — Hawkins: Why residents of constitutional states still need permits
When we asked Mr. Hudson why state reciprocity is so important, he replied: “The Second Amendment should not stop at state lines, and law-abiding citizens are criminalized every day by a confusing hodgepodge of laws. HR 38 would require all states to approve concealed carry permits. We're amending this by saying that if you have constitutional carry, you must approve state recognition. All states recognize it, just like they recognize driver's licenses. You should.”
He added, “When driving from North Carolina to Washington, DC, there is no need to stop at the Virginia line to take the Virginia driver's license test.”
When asked what state reciprocity supporters need to do to finally pass this bill, Hudson said: Whether you're calling the office or writing a letter, a handwritten letter is much better than a canned email. The opportunity is now and we must do it. ”
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and also writes Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment for Breitbart News. He is also a writer and curator. He is a political analyst for Armed American Radio, a member of Gun Owners of America, a professional staff member for Pulsar Night Vision, and global marketing director for Lone Star Hunts. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and holds a Ph.D. in military history. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins. To get Down Range, you can sign up at breitbart.com/downrange. Contact him directly: awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
