24 States Demand Constitutional Carry Reciprocity

In a major move for gun rights supporters, 24 state attorneys general have formally demanded that Congress pass HR38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. As reported by Braden Langley of Langley Outdoors Academy, this letter, sent to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, represents a coordinated effort to make concealed carry permits valid across state lines.

According to Langley, this isn’t just a symbolic gesture. “This is how you build a movement,” he said, urging continued pressure until lawmakers respond.

The Letter That Sparked the Momentum

The letter, dated May 21, 2025, outlines the position of the 24 attorneys general. Langley read excerpts during his video, showing that these states already either allow permitless carry or honor other states’ concealed carry licenses. The letter states that allowing national reciprocity promotes public safety and upholds the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. “We know firsthand that recognizing a broad right of concealed carry among law-abiding Americans promotes public safety,” it reads.

What HR38 Actually Does

According to Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets, HR38 is designed to protect legal gun owners who travel between states. “Imagine this,” Yanis said, “You have your permit, you’ve passed the background check, but the moment you cross a state line, you’re a criminal.” HR38 would eliminate that issue by allowing a permit issued in one state to be honored in all others that allow concealed carry. Think of it like a driver’s license – but for your Second Amendment rights.

Clearing Up the Misconceptions

Langley and Yanis both spent time debunking what they see as misleading attacks on HR38. Critics claim the bill would override state laws and tie the hands of law enforcement. But the letter argues the opposite. HR38 does not change any state’s internal gun laws. States would still be allowed to enforce their own rules about public behavior, property restrictions, and permit issuance, just not to deny carry rights to those who are legal in their home state.

Critics Cry “States’ Rights” – But Do They Really Mean It?

Langley was quick to highlight a contradiction. “When anti-gunners start arguing about states’ rights, you know we’re winning,” he said. The attorneys general echoed this in the letter, noting that many opponents of HR38 support federal control – until they don’t. Yanis also pointed out that HR38 respects property rights and lets states continue to enforce safety and conduct laws. “It’s not a gun free-for-all,” he said. “It’s about respecting rights across state lines.”

Carveouts for Blue States? Maybe That’s the Strategy

Interestingly, both hosts noted that HR38 includes language to keep some level of gun control intact in blue states. Langley described it as giving opponents just enough “gun control carveouts” to not panic, while still advancing freedom for everyone else. In his words, “Red states get carry everywhere, blue states keep a bit of control, and that’s how the sausage gets made.” It’s a tactical move designed to broaden support without completely upending restrictive state policies overnight.

Police Still Have a Role Under HR38

Opponents also argue that HR38 would prevent law enforcement from doing their job. Yanis pushed back hard on this. “That’s simply false,” he said, explaining that HR38 allows police to stop and question individuals who appear suspicious, just like before. Langley agreed, saying police in permitless carry states already function just fine and crime has even dropped in places like Ohio since adopting those policies.

This Isn’t for Criminals – It’s for Good People

Both hosts emphasized that HR38 excludes criminals and dangerous individuals. “It categorically excludes anyone prohibited by federal law,” said Yanis. That includes felons, fugitives, drug abusers, and those with mental illness adjudications. Langley highlighted that crime rates among concealed carry holders are actually lower than the general population, often even lower than among police officers. “There’s zero evidence that more permits mean more crime,” he added.

Real-Life Stories That Show the Need

Yanis gave examples of everyday Americans who’ve faced arrest just for carrying legally-owned firearms across state lines. One such case involved Sheenan Allen, a Pennsylvania mother arrested in New Jersey for carrying her handgun. Another involved two New Hampshire residents who crossed into a Massachusetts shopping mall and were charged with firearm violations, despite being legal just steps away. HR38, both hosts argue, would prevent these kinds of legal nightmares.

A Historical Parallel – and a Warning

Langley took a moment to draw a sharp comparison. “It’s just like the days when you needed to own land or pay a tax to vote,” he said. “Now they’re doing the same thing with gun rights.” The idea is that certain states are using permit fees, long wait times, and excessive requirements to effectively deny people their Second Amendment rights. In his view, if you need money or political connections just to exercise a right, it’s not really a right at all.

Corruption in Gun Control Strongholds

Both sources called out corruption in places like New York and Los Angeles. Yanis noted that New York’s may-issue permitting system led to bribery and abuse, while Los Angeles charges exorbitant fees and imposes year-long waits for permit approval. “This isn’t safety – it’s suppression,” he said. Langley added, “These cities act like they’re protecting people, but really, they’re just putting up financial barriers to freedom.”

Why This Fight Matters to Everyone

Yanis ended his report with a simple but powerful message: “The Second Amendment doesn’t stop at state lines.” And he’s right. If your constitutional rights only apply in certain zip codes, are they really rights? HR38 is about fixing that, and these 24 states are sending a loud message to Congress that it’s time to act. As Langley said, “More of this, now.”

This Could Actually Work

Here’s what’s fascinating: this might actually gain traction. It’s not perfect, Yanis admitted he’d rather see pure constitutional carry, but it’s a step. Langley pointed out that more states are joining the cause, and when attorneys general unite like this, it forces Congress to listen. Momentum is building. And if it keeps up, HR38 could be the most impactful pro-gun bill in years.