HoodaThunk?

The US Department of the Interior has released today the final version of the rules updates that allow for persons already licensed to carry a concealed weapon to do so in a national park located within their state’s borders. From the DoI release:

Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty today announced that the Department of the Interior has finalized updated regulations governing the possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. The final rule, which updates existing regulations, would allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if, and only if, the individual is authorized to carry a concealed weapon under state law in the state in which the national park or refuge is located.

This is the rule change I wrote about back in May and for which the comments period was extended in July. This is a good change and one that really needed to be made. There are national parks all over the place here in Virginia, one of which I drive through on a fairly regular basis. It’s not that I want to visit the park, it’s just that the road goes through it. Technically, I would be in violation of the law before this rule change if I were to be carrying concealed while making that trip. Now, it’s covered just like any other location in Virginia is.

The NRA has been involved in pressing for the rule change and is quite pleased:

“Today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of the Interior brings clarity and uniformity for law-abiding gun owners visiting our national parks,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “We are pleased that the Interior Department recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families while enjoying America’s National Parks and wildlife refuges.”

Indeed. I’m glad to see this pass.