There are now thirty-seven states that have adopted a shall-issue position on the issuance of concealed carry weapons permits. The basic difference between shall-issue and may-issue is that may-issue states tend to deny permits to regular folks. In many cases you have to be wealthy, famous, or otherwise influential to obtain a permit. Ordinary people have to prove a need that somehow always ends up being rejected as a legitimate need. For example, a single woman who is stalked and threatened by her ex-boyfriend does not demonstrate a need. The woman should apply for a restraining order.

A family living in a violent gang-infested neighborhood should move. A real estate agent, traveling salesperson, or truck driver should look for other work. Under no circumstances should a person be allowed to defend herself with a firearm unless she is at home. Lawful self-defense with a firearm in the home is not lawful while outside of the home in the shan't issue cities and counties.

A may-issue state does not automatically make for a shan't issue state, however. Many of these states have certain cities and counties that will grant CCW permits to its residents. The more populated urban areas tend to adopt the shall NOT issue policy. They also tend to have an "reefer madness" mentality about what might happen if people were "allowed" to carry guns fearing multiple shootouts by your everyday Joe over a lost parking space or broken ATM machine. Of course, this hasn't happened in any of the shall-issue states.

So here we have 37 shall-issue states and a number of others that has granted CCW permits to many of its residents. Unlike a driver's license, however, that permit may or may not be valid when the permit holder visits another state. Some states have adopted reciprocity for certain other states provided that the acknowledgement works both ways. Still the laws are confusing, vary widely, and subject otherwise law-abiding citizens to frivolous prosecution.

As more and more states adopt the shall-issue policy, the need for national reciprocity becomes greater. The ability to travel freely and to provide for one's defense are hallmarks of liberty and should be recognized by our government.

A national reciprocity bill has been introduced at the federal level. And, with the progress that has been made in furthering shall-issue CCW legislation, the passing of a national reciprocity bill is within reach.

H.R. 990 - Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) is a simple bill stating only that anyone who possesses a CCW in their homestate can also exercise their right while away from their home state, subject to any restrictions of the state visited. For example, some states prohibit carrying firearms in churches, bars, or government buildings.

The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security where it has been stagnating since May 5, 2003.

As previously stated, many states are already recognizing CCW permits issued by other states. H.R. 990 simply makes life easier for law-abiding citizens and may make life safer in the event of a future terrorist attack.