A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, has introduced legislation aimed at guaranteeing the right to carry firearms in public places across the United States. The proposed "National Constitutional Carry Act" (H.R. 645) seeks to prevent states and local governments from restricting the public carrying of firearms by law-abiding citizens who meet federal and state gun ownership requirements.

Massie argues this bill reinforces the Second Amendment's core purpose of ensuring a free state's security while protecting individual liberties. The act explicitly prohibits states and localities from imposing penalties, including indirect limitations like financial barriers, on the right to bear arms in public.

The legislation clarifies that it wouldn't interfere with state laws regarding firearm screenings in designated locations or prevent private property owners from establishing their own firearm regulations. It also wouldn't impact existing state and federal laws concerning firearm possession eligibility.

This isn't the first time such a measure has been put forward; a similar proposal was introduced last year. Massie, a strong advocate for gun rights, has previously made headlines for his public stance on the Second Amendment, including sharing a family Christmas photo featuring firearms and criticizing the term "gun violence."

Numerous House Republicans have signed on as original cosponsors of the bill, including Representatives Andy Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Chip Roy, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and many others.