HARRISBURG – A measure will be proposed by Blair County Rep. Andrea Verobish which would remove the requirement that individuals first obtain a concealed carry permit before being permitted to carry a firearm in their vehicle. Under current law, individuals who wish to carry a concealed firearm on their person, or transport a loaded firearm in their vehicle, must first obtain a concealed carry permit. While PA recognizes the right to openly carry a firearm without a permit, that same right is not recognized once an individual enters a vehicle. The U.S. Supreme Court decided a case in 2022 reaffirming that the right to “keep and bear arms” is not a second-class right subject to special burdens or discretionary government approval. The Court made clear that when conduct falls within the plain text of the Second Amendment, the government bears the burden of demonstrating that any restriction is consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. Verobish says the right to own and bear arms is a fundamental constitutional right. Law-abiding citizens should not be required to obtain government permission before exercising that right while traveling in their vehicle. A co-sponsorship memo seeking support is being circulated.
REP. ANDREA VEROBISH