Governor vetoes concealed carry legislation
HARRISBURG, PA – Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday vetoed legislation that would allow anyone who wishes to carry concealed guns able to do so without a background check and permit.
The state House had approved the measure last month, 107-92, with eight Republicans against and three Democrats in favor. The state Senate had approved the bill, sponsored by Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, by a vote of 29-21.
In vetoing the measure Wolf said, “This legislation, which eliminates the requirement for individuals to obtain a license before carrying a concealed firearm, will only exacerbate gun violence and jeopardize the safety of all Pennsylvanians.
”Each year there are more than 1,600 victims of gun violence in Pennsylvania. These victims and communities deserve to have meaningful legislation passed to address the scourge of gun violence. I support many public policy proposals that would help solve this urgent issue, including safe storage legislation, extreme risk protection orders, enhanced reporting requirements for lost or stolen guns, and closing gaps in the background check system. Unfortunately, this bill would make gun violence worse and would put law enforcement officers at greater risk of harm.
”I would like to make clear that this veto will in no way affect the rights of the 1.3 million Pennsylvanians who have legally obtained a license to carry or the millions of Pennsylvanians who legally own a firearm.
”This legislation removes the requirement that an individual obtain a license, and with it, the ability of law enforcement to conduct a background investigation. Removal of the licensing background investigation will hinder the ability of law enforcement to prevent individuals who should not be able to carry a firearm concealed from doing so. Domestic abusers and other dangerous criminals should not have the ability to carry hidden weapons in our communities.
Wolf said the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association both opposed the legislation and there are no law enforcement organizations in Pennsylvania that supported the bill.
