PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Legislation that would make it easier to carry a gun is on the way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk, where it will immediately be vetoed.
The Senate bill, which also passed the House of Representatives, would change Pennsylvania law to lift the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun, or to have a loaded gun in a car.
It would also get rid of Philadelphia’s law that requires a permit to open carry a firearm.
Related
Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties) argued in favor of the bill, saying if he has his suit jacket off, he’s legal without a permit.
“When I put it on and my firearm is concealed, if I don’t have a piece of paper, that makes it illegal," said Bernstine. "That truly makes no sense.”
But Representative Mike Zabel (D-Delaware County) said requiring a permit makes sense, especially since it goes through county sheriffs' offices.
“The sheriff’s office investigation is important because not every firearm that is carried in Pennsylvania is purchased in Pennsylvania, so not everyone will be subject to our background check system," Zabel said.
Related
While supporters of the bill say more people carrying guns would make everyone safer, Representative Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny County) said this is real life, not an action movie.
“In the real world an untrained, would-be-superhero civilian firing a gun into a conflict makes things worse," said Kinkead.
Wolf said he will continue to veto any legislation that, in his words, risks the safety of our communities.
The bill didn’t pass the House or Senate with enough votes to override a veto.
