NEWS FROM

Central Florida's Congressman

CLIFF STEARNS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 2, 1999

CONTACT: PAUL FLUSCHE (202) 225-5744

STEARNS OFFERS CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY LEGISLATION

WOULD ALLOW INDIVIDUALS WITH VALID CONCEALED WEAPON LICENSES TO CARRY ACROSS STATE LINES

WASHINGTON, FEB. 2, 1999 -- "Should the natural right to self defense and the Constitutional right to bear arms end when an individual crosses a state line?" asked Rep. cliff Stearns (R-FL). "I don't think so." Today Stearns re-introduced the Right to Safety and Personal Protection Act, which garnered 75 cosponsors in the 105th Congress. The legislation would entitle anyone possessing a valid state permit to carry a concealed firearm to carry their firearm in every state. Just as a driver license issued in one state is valid in all states, a concealed weapon carry permit would apply in all states.

The law of each state would govern conduct within that state if it has a right-to-carry statute; if not, Federal law providing a "bright-line" standard would apply (no carrying in sensitive locations such as court rooms, police stations, or schools). The bright-light standard is not a license, the individual would still have to possess a valid state permit. In addition, the bill would allow former and current law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in other states.

In 1987, Florida reformed its gun laws to allow law-abiding citizens familiar with firearms to carry a concealed weapon. What were the results of this reform in the Sunshine State? Florida's homicide rate dropped from 37 percent above the national average to 3 percent below the national average after the state changed its concealed carry law in 1987. Across the nation, states that have made it easier for their citizens to be armed have seen their crime rates fall dramatically. "It doesn't make sense to me for Americans to forfeit their safety because they happen to be on vacation or on a business trip," said Stearns.

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