WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (FICRA) to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing interstate firearms transactions. Federal regulations prohibit the sale or delivery of any firearm to an individual who does not reside in the state in which the licensee’s place of business is located.

The legislation would allow interstate firearm transactions, implement permit dealer flexibility, redefine the residency definition for armed forces and federal employees and ensure firearm transactions adhere to the Constitution while complying with state laws and regulations.

“The Second Amendment does not differ from state to state, neither should Idahoans’ ability to purchase firearms nationwide,” said Risch. “FICRA allows Idaho’s law-abiding citizens to purchase and bear arms without the burdensome and outdated regulations that currently limit their purchasing power.”

“Reducing the red tape affecting law-abiding gun owners, buyers and sellers preserves the Second Amendment and streamlines out-of-date systems,” said Crapo. “This legislation provides a much-needed cleanup of outdated regulations while preserving and respecting state laws.”

“The Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens should not dissipate at state lines,” said Cramer. “For decades, outdated regulations have placed unnecessary burdens on our nation’s federal firearm purchasing laws. The Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act fortifies Second Amendment liberties by ensuring citizens can purchase and bear arms nationwide. It also enhances lawful commerce and supports our military members and their families, all while respecting states’ laws and regulations.”

U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) introduced companion legislation in May.

“Our federal firearm purchasing process is unnecessarily complicated and is unfair for law-abiding citizens, small businesses, and our service members willing to put their lives on the line for our country,” said Scalise. “The need to modernize and simplify our federal firearm purchasing laws is long overdue and I’m pleased this bill will finally right this wrong.”  

Co-sponsors include Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and John Thune (R-S.D.).

The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have endorsed the legislation.