(Washington, D.C.) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus has introduced legislation to uphold 2^nd Amendment rights for law abiding citizens. The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act would allow citizens who have a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit the same right in other states that issue concealed firearm permits or do not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes.

"The bottom line is that all law-abiding citizens have the right to bear arms - whether it's for hunting in the great outdoors or for protection.  This bill cuts through the red tape and makes sure law-abiding citizens with valid concealed carry permits can exercise their Constitutional right in other states," said Baucus, who has an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association.

"Citizens aren't immune from crime when they cross state lines.  S. 2188 will allow Right-to-Carry permit holders to protect themselves and their loved ones should the need arise while traveling across state lines," said James Baker, NRA's director of federal relations.  "The NRA thanks Senator Max Baucus for his support of this important self-defense legislation."

As of today, 49 states have laws in place that permit their citizens to carry a concealed firearm in some form. Only Illinois and the District of Columbia deny its residents the right to carry concealed firearms outside their homes or businesses for self-defense.  A state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would continue to apply within its borders.  More information on the bill is available online HERE.