Mr. Morris:

We have at one time or another approached authorities in each of the states you mention hoping to establish a reciprocity agreement. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in our efforts. Please allow me to explain.

Neither Nebraska nor Oregon honor any other state's concealed weapon licenses. To the best of my knowledge, these states do not have statutory authority to enter into a reciprocity agreement.

Minnesota's concealed weapon licensing law allows reciprocity with another state only if that other state's concealed weapon licensing law is very similar to Minnesota's own. Minnesota authorities disqualified Florida from reciprocity eligibility because our firearms training requirements did not meet Minnesota standards. Minnesota's training course focuses solely on handguns and on the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession and use, including self-defense and use of deadly force.

Washington's law also requires a fundamental similarity in the laws of another state in order to establish a reciprocity agreement with that state. Washington authorities disqualified Florida from reciprocity eligibility because the way in which we conduct mental health background checks on applicants was insufficiently similar to the way in which Washingington authorities conduct such checks.

Finally, authorities in Maine also have to consider whether another state's laws are sufficiently similar to their own in order to establish reciprocity. Officials in Maine began looking at the laws of several other states to consider the possibility of expanding reciprocity a few months ago. They have not followed up with me regarding the final outcome of their review; however, a representative with the Maine State Police did call to tell me that their preliminary review indicated that Florida's eligibility criteria with regard to disqualifying crimes was not sufficiently similar to Maine's in order qualify us for reciprocity.