House passes bill allowing concealed carry across state lines
Critics argue that the bill would relax laws in areas with tight gun control.
— -- The House of Representatives passed a controversial measure Wednesday that would allow gun owners with concealed carry permits from one state to carry them in other jurisdictions.
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, one of the National Rifle Association's top legislative priorities, passed in a largely party-line vote, 231-198, sending the measure to the Senate.
Gun control advocates argue that the proposal would effectively loosen gun control laws in tightly restricted locations such as New York City.
The bill also contained measures requiring the Department of Justice to produce to Congress a report about bump stock modifications and another that tightens National Instant Criminal Background Check System reporting requirements in the wake of last month's church shooting in Texas, perpetrated by a gunman whose prior domestic violence conviction was not reported to the system.
In the Senate, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act will need to clear a 60-vote threshold to pass.