Our state Senate is poised to vote this week on Senate Bill 565, the permit-less carry bill. Currently, you have to get a permit to carry a concealed firearm in PA. Prior to issuing a permit, law enforcement evaluates whether the holder will be a threat to public safety by looking at history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other indicators that may not show up in a background check.
S.B. 565 would end that permitting process, so anyone can carry a concealed firearm -- and lower the age for concealed carry from 21 to 18. It would also allow for open carry of firearms in the City of Philadelphia, where there has been an increase in violent crime.
How many 18-year-olds are responsible enough to carry a concealed weapon!
Removing this basic safeguard would endanger civilians and law enforcement alike, and make it harder to reduce violent crime.
I urge my senator and all senators to vote NO on S.B. 565.
Robert G Little, MD, Physicians for Social Responsibility-PA