Hundreds of police chiefs tell Congress not to pass concealed carry bill

A coalition of police chiefs across the country is urging lawmakers not to pass legislation that would allow for concealed-carry gun reciprocity between states.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police penned a letter, which was obtained by The Washington Post, to congressional leadership that presses lawmakers not to pass the legislation.

{mosads}“These bills would override state permitting laws that limit who can carry a loaded hidden gun in each state and would force states to allow individuals to carry guns who are not qualified to do so under their own laws,” the letter reads. “This legislation is a dangerous encroachment on individual state efforts to protect public safety, and it would effectively nullify duly enacted state laws and hamper law enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence.” 

The House in December passed legislation that would allow individuals to use their gun permits across state lines.

The letter comes approximately two months after the deadly shooting at a high school in South Florida that restarted the gun reform debate in the United States.

The police chiefs urge lawmakers to “make the safety of the American people a priority” by joining the organization on the issue of concealed carry reciprocity.

“Mandated reciprocity would effectively override the permitting requirements of individuals states, such as requiring safety training or prohibiting permits for people with multiple convictions for violent misdemeanors or drug or alcohol abuse problems,” the chiefs write.