The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act on Wednesday and a local gun violence prevention group has some concerns.
The measure would allow states to recognize concealed weapon carry licenses from all over the nation. It has received criticism because states with stricter guns laws would have to recognize licenses from states with fewer restrictions.
Lawmakers also tacked on a less controversial measure that would make sure agencies and states upload all relevant criminal record information to the nation’s criminal background check database.
Miranda Viscoli, the co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, said the background check improvements should have been passed separately from the concealed carry measure.
“They were two very separate issues, it never should have happened," she said. "It’s a sad day in our country when our esteemed elected officials whose number one job is to keep people in our country safe, to pass such a heinous bill.”
Supporters of concealed carry reciprocity say gun owners should have the ability protect themselves, no matter what state they’re in.
The measure still has to be approved by the U.S. Senate.
