Todd Rokita on Gun Control

Defend the 2nd Amendment

National cross-state standard for concealed carry.

Establishes a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state:

• Notwithstanding any law of any State, a person who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm and is carrying a valid license to carry a concealed firearm may carry in another State a concealed firearm.
• If such other State issues licenses to carry concealed firearms, the person may carry a concealed firearm in the State under the same restrictions which apply in that State.
• If such other State does not issue licenses to carry concealed firearms, the person may not carry a concealed firearm in a police station, in a courthouse, at a meeting of a governing body, in a school, at an athletic event, in an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages, or inside an airport, except to the extent expressly permitted by State law.

Opposes restricting gun purchase & possession.

Project Vote Smart infers candidate issue stances on key topics by summarizing public speeches and public statements. Candidates are given the opportunity to respond in detail; about 16% did so in the 2010 races.

Project Vote Smart summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: 'Gun Issues: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?'

Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.

• Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States.
• Grants such an individual limited immunity with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration.
• Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession.
• Transfers each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it
• Publishes information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum.
• Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to museums.

Interstate transportation of firearms is federally prote.

Congressional Summary: On interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition:

• Require that a firearm and ammunition shall be in a locked container.
• Does not permit transportation of firearms or ammunition with the intent to commit a crime.
• Prohibits detention of a person for violation of any local gun law unless there is probable cause.

Supporters reasons for voting YEA: (NRA Institute for Legal Action, 1/16/15): Current federal law guarantees the right of law-abiding persons to transport firearms, regardless of state or local laws. Unfortunately, anti-gun local officials are using overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers who have made every effort to comply with the law, resulting in seized guns and sometimes arrests. HR 131 would make clear that I, including activities incidental to the trip such as temporary lodging.

Opponents reasons for voting NAY: (PopVox blog postings on HR 131):

• CA-19: I oppose HR131 because it is overly burdensome on law abiding individuals and attempts to fix an issue that is not documented to be a problem or responsible for any amount of crime today.
• SD-0: I oppose HR131 because this encourages illegal hunting. Gun laws already differ in each state. The last thing we want is increase of breaching of laws as one is "unaware" of the law of that state.
• AZ-5: I oppose HR131 because travelling can be dangerous. A firearm is useless for defense if it is locked in a box.
• MO-7: I oppose HR131 because it attempts to once again federally mandate a standard across all states which poses as a protection to gun owners, but could be abused by law enforcement.
• NH-2: I oppose HR131 because this is not only unnecessary, but impractical in many situations. We already have more than enough poorly constructed firearms laws on the books.