Interstate concealed carry bill passes

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday passed a bill that allows gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines.

The bill, which the National Rifle Association has called its “highest legislative priority,” passed by a 231-198 vote.

But the fate of the bill remains uncertain. It was linked this week with legislation to improve the national background check system for gun purchases, a measure that has rare bipartisan consensus. House Democrats accused Republicans of “trickery” and “sabotage” in tying the two bills together.

In the Senate, Democrats have said the combination bill is a non-starter, and senior Republicans have said that pairing the bills could torpedo them both.

Proponents of the bill said it will make it easier for gun owners to exercise their rights, as one state’s concealed carry permits are not valid across state lines.

Opponents said it will imperil public safety and a state’s right to determine who is allowed to carry a concealed weapon.

“This vote marks a watershed moment for Second Amendment rights,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.

The bill would treat concealed-carry permits like a driver’s license, allowing them to be applicable nationwide.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman of New York, which has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, said the legislation would risk the lives of people and law enforcement officers.