House Resolution 822 has been introduced by Representatives Republican Cliff Stearns of Florida, and Democrat Heath Shuler of South Carolina. If it becomes law it would allow any citizen with a valid, state-issued, concealed firearms permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits. It would also allow any resident meeting that same criteria to carry a concealed firearm within any state that does not actively prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes. The bill also applies to residents of Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.

This bill, if signed into law, would not create a federal firearm licensing system. It simply would require the states to recognize each others’ concealed carry permits, just as the states recognize out of state drivers’ licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.