Many House conservatives who profess undying devotion to the notion of states' rights apparently are using the concept for target practice.

Sure, they're convinced that the federal government has no legitimate role in health care, education and a wide array of other matters. But when it comes to packing heat, the states need to get out of the way of the federal government.

The National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act, introduced by Rep. Cliff Stearns, a Florida Republican, and Heath Schuler, a North Carolina Democrat, not only is ill-advised and dangerous, but an attack on the very notion of states' rights.

Under the bill, all states would have to honor concealed-carry weapons permits issued by any state.

If passed, it would force states with tough standards for concealed carry permits, such as New York and California, to honor permits issued by states with scant standards, such as Florida. States would be required to honor the permits of gun-toting visitors even if those carrying deadly weapons lack the training or background checks required by the states with tough standards.

Most states require attendance at a gun-safety training program and reject permits for anyone convicted of a violent crime. But those states would have to honor permits issued by other states to untrained people and violent criminals.

Nationwide, more than 600 mayors of large cities and thousands of law enforcement officials oppose the bill. The reason is apparent in Pennsylvania, where many people whose concealed-carry applications have been rejected have obtained them from other states, notably Florida.

The idea that states know best, based on local conditions and experience, is a mantra for House conservatives. They should honor the principle by not forcing states to honor permits based on standards far lower than their own.