In the near future I will be introducing legislation regarding the issuance of Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) and additional reporting requirements for reciprocity agreements.

Specifically, my legislation would remove the “character and reputation” provision contained in Title 18 Section 6109(e)(1). It will also remove the requirement that an applicant include personal references on the LTCF application. The current language provides no definitions, standards, policies or limitations as to what constitutes a proper “character and reputation” necessary to qualify for a LTCF. Under current law, a sheriff can unilaterally deny a LTCF application for a concealed firearm for “character and reputation” concerns or other “good cause.” Under my bill, an applicant who is wrongfully denied the right to a LTCF shall be entitled to attorney fees and costs in any action against the issuing authority.

All current prohibiting conditions would remain on the LTCF application (conviction of certain crimes, addiction to illegal drugs, mental instability, etc.). Additionally, retention of information relevant to the investigation beyond the initial application and proof of approval, will not be kept for more than 10 days beyond successful issuance or denial of LTCF.

The legislation will also require the Attorney General’s Office to seek and establish reciprocity agreements with every state and prohibit unilateral withdraw from any reciprocity agreement. Additional reporting requirements will detail the progress of the efforts the Attorney General has made to establish reciprocity agreements with other states. Furthermore, the report must explain the reasons for each state the Commonwealth does not have a reciprocity agreement with.

Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation, which would remove ambiguous criteria to ensure that all Pennsylvanians are treated equally under our law.

EMD/ss/cmc

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 952 (Mar 13, 2025): 18-6109(c), 18-1)(i)
Printer's No. 0952: 18-6109(c), 18-1)(i)