Traveler’s Gun Rights Act proposed by Rounds, Johnson

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) on April 7 sponsored the bicameral Traveler’s Gun Rights Act in their respective chambers to address the gun rights of Americans in certain living situations. 

“An address is an address — individuals who rely on a P.O. box as their primary mailing address shouldn’t have their right to possess a firearm compromised,” Rep. Johnson said. “Our bill fixes that problem.”

Sen. Rounds introduced S. 4029 with 17 Republican original cosponsors, while Rep. Johnson led 28 original cosponsors in introducing H.R. 7466, which would update federal law to account for various residency-related issues for full-time recreational vehicle (RV) travelers, individuals with multiple physical residences, active duty military personnel, and military spouses. 

Currently, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requires firearm buyers to fill out paperwork listing an address but prohibits buyers from listing a P.O. box or private mailbox on ATF forms, even though such addresses are permitted to be listed on driver’s licenses, according to the congressmen.

“The Traveler’s Gun Rights Act removes an unfair prohibition facing Americans with unique living situations,” said Sen. Rounds. “This legislation will make certain that law-abiding citizens do not face a burdensome roadblock when trying to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Among the lawmakers who joined Sen. Rounds in introducing S. 4029 are U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Thune (R-SD), and John Hoeven (R-ND). 

Members joining Rep. Johnson in unveiling H.R. 7466 include U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Liz Cheney (R-WY).