AN Assembly Resolution condemning National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011's inherent violation of the principle of states' rights.

Whereas, On November 16, 2011, the United States House of Representatives passed House Resolution 822, otherwise known as the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011;" and

Whereas, If enacted, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 would force the states to honor all legally-issued concealed handgun carry permits, regardless of where in the United States they were issued; and

Whereas, Legislation pertaining to firearms licensing policies has traditionally been reserved for the states, so that strategies can be developed to meet each state's unique demographic, economic, and lifestyle needs, while still maintaining the public safety; and

Whereas, The requirements which must be met before a person may carry a concealed weapon vary drastically from state to state; and

Whereas, The resolution, as written, would allow anyone who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon in one state to do so throughout the country, even if the individual would be ineligible for a permit in the state in which he or she is carrying via reciprocity; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey has typically enforced very strict standards when issuing permits to carry handguns; and

Whereas, Allowing individuals licensed in other states to carry concealed weapons in New Jersey would undermine the protections afforded by law to the citizens of this State and introduce an unregulated, unchecked, and uncalculated danger into their lives; and

Whereas, It is the duty of the State of New Jersey to safeguard the public safety within its borders; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey condemns the violation of the principle of state's rights inherent in the National Right-to-Carry-Reciprocity Act of 2011, and respectfully memorializes the New Jersey Congressional delegation to work with the Governor of New Jersey to prevent the further passage or enactment of House Resolution 822.

2. Duly authenticated copies of this Assembly resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof shall be transmitted to the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the chairs of the appropriate standing committees of Congress, every member of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, and the Governor of New Jersey.

3. This Assembly resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This Assembly resolution condemns the violation of the principle of states' rights inherent in the National Right-to-Carry-Reciprocity Act of 2011, and respectfully memorializes the New Jersey Congressional delegation to work with the Governor of New Jersey to prevent the further passage or enactment of federal House Resolution 822.

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 would force states to honor all legally-issued concealed handgun carry permits issued anywhere within the United States. Under the federal act, anyone who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon in one state would be authorized to do so throughout the country, even if the individual would be ineligible for a permit in the state in which he or she is carrying. Since legislation pertaining to firearms licensing policies has traditionally been reserved for the states, so that they could balance the state's unique needs while maintaining the public safety, this Assembly resolution asserts that the National Right-to-Carry-Reciprocity Act of 2011 is a gross violation of states' rights.