Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have made Pennsylvania the 22nd state to adopt constitutional carry laws, permitting law-abiding adults to carry handguns without a permit. The veto comes despite evidence from 43 states with similar laws showing no increase in gun violence, while studies indicate that such laws may actually lead to a decrease in violent crime rates.
Gun-rights advocates argue that Pennsylvania’s legislative moves toward constitutional carry highlight the growing desire for quicker access to self-defense permits, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations like stalking. The rejected bill would have streamlined the process and reduced costs for citizens, which is significant in contrast to states like Illinois where permit fees can reach as high as $150, compared to Indiana where permits are free.
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