July 22, 2009

Another controversy over gun control makes news in the Senate today.

The issue is a vote on a measure that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry those hidden weapons into other states.

Supporters of the measure, which is sponsored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., say truckers and others with concealed weapons permits should be able to protect themselves when they cross into other states. Opponents say the measure would force states with strict procedures for getting permits to accept permits from states with more lax laws.

We thought we'd jump into the debate by providing the key points of the measure as they appear in the actual bill:

(1) A person who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and is carrying a valid license or permit which is issued pursuant to the law of any State and which permits the person to carry a concealed firearm, may carry in any State a concealed firearm in accordance with the terms of the license or permit, subject to the laws of the State in which the firearm is carried concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may not be carried.

(2) A person who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and is otherwise than as described in paragraph (1) entitled to carry a concealed firearm in and pursuant to the law of the State in which the person resides, may carry in any State a concealed firearm in accordance with the laws of the State in which the person resides, subject to the laws of the State in which the firearm is carried concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may not be carried.

Update at 1:06 p.m. ET: Gun control proponents scored a rare victory as the Senate rejected an amendment that would have given people the right to carry concealed weapons across state lines.