Sen. Mike Lee introduces GOA-backed legislation recognizing nationwide permitless carry for law-abiding Americans.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee has introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act, landmark legislation that would recognize permitless concealed carry nationwide for law-abiding Americans who are legally allowed to possess firearms.
The bill, backed by Gun Owners of America, would prohibit states from requiring permits, fees, or other government approval for citizens to carry firearms for lawful self-defense. Gun Owners of California is proud to stand with GOA in support of this essential federal legislation.
“The Constitution doesn’t require a permission slip for any of the rights it guarantees. The ability for lawful Americans to defend themselves is fundamental and absolute. Paying a fee and filling out paperwork are unnecessary barriers to a Constitutional right,” said Adam Wilson, Director of Legislative Affairs for Gun Owners of California.
For decades, states like California have treated the right to bear arms as a privilege granted by the government rather than a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
Today, 29 states already recognize constitutional carry, acknowledging that the Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary citizens to bear arms without government licensing schemes. Senator Lee’s legislation would extend that recognition nationwide, ensuring Americans do not lose their constitutional rights simply by crossing a state line.
Supporters of the legislation have stated that requiring citizens to obtain permits to exercise a constitutional right turns the Bill of Rights upside down. Americans do not need a government license to speak freely, attend church, or publish a newspaper—and the same principle should apply to the right to bear arms.
The National Constitutional Carry Act would also limit so-called “gun-free zones” to places where firearms are actually screened by security, such as courthouses and secured government buildings, rather than allowing states to simply declare large areas off limits to lawful carry.
For Californians, the implications could be significant. California has spent decades erecting barriers to the lawful carrying of firearms through restrictive permit systems and expansive “sensitive place” laws that effectively prevent citizens from exercising their right to self-defense in public.
This piece of legislation represents an important step toward restoring the Second Amendment to its proper place among America’s fundamental liberties.
Gun Owners of California will continue fighting California’s anti-gun agenda in the courts and the Legislature. With major cases like Duncan v. Bonta likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the future of the Second Amendment in California is very much in play. If you support this fight, please consider standing with GOC and helping us press forward. Donate HERE