Pennsylvania Governor Vetoes Dangerous Bill Ending the Requirement for Concealed Carry Permits, Prioritizing Public Safety

Washington, DC — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, lauded Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf for vetoing a bill that would have repealed the current requirement for gun owners to obtain a permit for the concealed carry of firearms. 

“Governor Wolf has put the safety of Pennsylvanians above the interests of the gun lobby,” said Sean Holihan, State Legislative Director at Giffords. “Republican lawmakers continue to push reckless laws that would lead to more guns in more places. Governor Wolf has again demonstrated tremendous courage by standing up for commonsense gun safety laws and rejecting special interests. We thank Governor Wolf for his leadership on this important issue, as well as all who stood up against this dangerous legislation.”

Republican lawmakers in the Pennsylvania House gave final approval to a bill that would end the state’s longstanding provision requiring a separate license for all civilian handgun owners to carry a concealed weapon on their person or in a car. In Pennsylvania, a clean background check, two character references, and a $20 application fee is required to receive a permit to carry a firearm.

Last year, Pennsylvania modestly strengthened gun laws and the state did support and fund Community Violence Intervention programs that would protect citizens from gun violence. According to Giffords Law Center’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard, Pennsylvania, which has the 18th-lowest gun death rate in the country, received a C+.

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