Senate Blocks Concealed Carry Reciprocity Laws

Two controversial pieces of gun legislation before the Senate are being blocked by California Democrat Dianne Feinstein in response to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the shooting rampage at Oikos University, a small college in Oakland, California, that left 7 dead. The bills would force neighboring states to recognize the concealed carry laws of a resident’s home state when traveling.

Feinstein, and other opponents, object to the bills because they fail to recognize a state’s rights which might have more strict regulations on concealed carry laws than a traveler’s state of residence. For instance, George Zimmerman, the man who fatally shot and killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin, was issued a concealed carry permit in Florida (notably lax in gun control) even though he has a domestic abuse charge against him. Despite another state’s regulations that would deny Zimmerman a concealed carry permit, the two bills would force that state to recognize the traveler’s home state permit. Opponents of the bills say the laws put victims of domestic violence and possibly law enforcement officers at danger.

Feinstein’s objection blocks the easiest route for passage of the bills, unanimous consent, but the bills could still pass through regular means of garnering 60 votes to start and end debate on a law.