Josh Hawley, Jason Smith file legislation allowing those in military to renew concealed carry permits by mail

(From Sen. Josh Hawley, R-MO)

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) introduced legislation Thursday in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to ease the burden active duty military service members face when renewing concealed-carry licenses while stationed outside of their state of residency. 

The U.S. Military Right to Carry Act allows service members to renew their permits by mail and requires states to treat members of the military equally to state residents in issuing concealed carry permits.

“The military men and women who serve our country shouldn’t face endless red tape in order to exercise their constitutional right to carry firearms and maintain their concealed carry licenses," Senator Josh Hawley said. 

"I’m proud to stand up for our service members and for their Second Amendment rights with this legislation.” 

“The brave men and women of the United States military should not face any discrimination when it comes to their concealed carry permits,” said Congressman Smith. 

“If a member of the U.S. Armed Forces holds a concealed carry permit, they should be able to renew that permit by mail or be treated as a resident of the state in which they are stationed. My bill is a critical step in ensuring the constitutional rights of our military members are protected regardless of where they’re stationed, allowing them to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”