“Second Amendment rights shouldn't disappear when you cross a state’s borders,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the National Rifle Association.  “Under current law, a Montanan who legally carries a concealed weapon becomes a criminal by the simple act of crossing the wrong state border.  As far as I’m concerned, the only crime is the failure of the federal government to protect folks' Constitutional rights.”

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state, to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if the permit holder meets certain criteria.  In states that issue permits, a state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. In states that do not issue carry permits, a federal standard would apply.  The bill does not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses.

“As a Montana legislator and a concealed carry permit holder, I whole-heartedly support Denny’s endorsement of this common sense legislation,” said Ed Butcher, a member of the Montana Legislature representing House District 29 in Winifred and an advocate for the second amendment.  “The right to bear arms, particularly the right to a concealed carry permit, is a key issue for many Montanans both personally and professionally.  This is especially important to me as I travel extensively in my consulting business and as a 30-year concealed weapon permittee, I carry a handgun.”