Congress·In Committee·H.R. 645

Rep. Massie Introduces National Constitutional Carry Act to End State Gun Permit Requirements

National Constitutional Carry Act

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill would create a federal right for any U.S. citizen who can legally own a gun to carry it in public without needing a state permit, license, or paying any fees. It would override all state and local laws that restrict public carry.
From policy text
“No State or political subdivision of a State may impose a criminal or civil penalty on, or otherwise indirectly limit the carrying of firearms (including by imposing a financial or other barrier to entry) in public by residents or nonresidents of that State who are citizens of the United States and otherwise eligible to possess firearms under State and Federal law.”
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Any existing state or local law that punishes or discourages people from carrying guns in public would be wiped out — including permit requirements, training mandates, and fees. These laws would simply have no legal effect.
From policy text
“Any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of a State or a political subdivision of a State that criminalizes, penalizes, or otherwise indirectly dissuades the carrying of firearms (including by imposing a financial or other barrier to entry) in public by any resident or nonresident who is a United States citizen and otherwise eligible to possess firearms under State and Federal law, shall have no force or effect.”
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People could carry guns in most public places, including privately owned businesses open to the public like stores and restaurants. However, private owners can still ban guns if they post clear, visible signs, and places with security screening (like courthouses or airports) remain restricted.
From policy text
“includes any place held open to the public, regardless of ownership, but in the case of a privately-owned location held open to the public, does not include a place where the owner communicates clearly and conspicuously a prohibition of firearms on the premises”
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The bill is grounded in recent Supreme Court rulings — including Heller, McDonald, and Bruen — which affirmed an individual right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Sponsors argue that state permit requirements violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
The bill applies not just to the 50 states but also to Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, meaning it would override gun carry restrictions everywhere under U.S. jurisdiction.
From policy text
“The term `State' as used in this section includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United States (not including the Canal Zone).”
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Gun PolicyCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

StateScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jan 23, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Upon enactment

If enacted, all state and local permit-to-carry laws become unenforceable immediately

Any U.S. citizen who can legally own a gun could carry in public without a permit in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories from day one. People could no longer be arrested or fined for carrying without a state license.

Within weeks of enactment

States with strict carry laws would likely file legal challenges

States like New York, California, and others would probably sue to block the law, arguing it exceeds federal power. Courts could issue temporary injunctions that delay implementation in certain states while cases are decided.

Related News

5 articles

Fox News·9 days ago

Mike Lee unveils national constitutional carry bill to override 'hostile' state gun laws

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act to eliminate concealed carry permits, fees, and criminal penalties for carrying a firearm in public. The bill aims to override 'hostile' state laws while preserving private property rights and bans in secure locations.

Ground News·about 1 year ago

Massie and other Republicans push 'National Constitutional Carry Act' to protect Americans' gun rights

House Republicans, led by Rep. Thomas Massie, are pushing the 'National Constitutional Carry Act' to compel states to allow Americans to carry guns in public. The measure prohibits localities from limiting carry for citizens eligible under state and federal law.

Nasdaq·about 1 year ago

New Bill: Representative Thomas Massie introduces H.R. 645: National Constitutional Carry Act

This bill, known as the National Constitutional Carry Act, aims to affirm and enforce the rights enshrined in the Second Amendment. It would prohibit state or local governments from imposing criminal or civil penalties on individuals for carrying firearms in public.