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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 8, 2019 02:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Anthony M. DeLuca |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | NRA Approved Training Required Prior to Conceal Carry Permit |
| Pennsylvania has the fourth highest percentage of concealed firearm permits in the nation, with more than 1.3 million active licenses equating to 13.4% of adults in the state. A reasonable assumption may be that permission to carry a concealed weapon would be accompanied by some proven level of proficiency with the weapon, but such is not the case and there are no training requirements. In Pennsylvania, any individual who is 21 years of age or older may apply for a license to carry by submitting an application to the sheriff of the county in which they reside along with the required fee. Upon completion of the sheriff’s investigation the permit is issued. As of today, 39 states require some level of gun safety training in order for someone to get a concealed carry permit. The requirements for training differ, but most states agree that understanding how to safely use a gun should be proven before a person is allowed to carry a concealed gun in public spaces. Those who wish to carry a concealed firearm should have a baseline of training. A person who is unfamiliar with a live weapon in their hand can’t be expected to be competent and safe. The proposed new law will require that prior to being issued a license to carry a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle, an applicant will be required to complete a minimum of six hours of a basic firearm training program with a certified firearms instructor approved by the National Rifle Association. I request your support in making sure those who conceal and carry have enough training to be competent with their weapon first. |
Introduced as HB724