South Central PA News

Senator Doug Mastriano has introduced a bill aimed at protecting Pennsylvania concealed carry permit holders from being unfairly targeted when traveling to states that do not honor the state's reciprocity agreements. The proposed legislation, known as Senate Bill 244, seeks to address inconsistencies in firearm laws and safeguard the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

The bill intends to prevent out-of-state authorities from misusing Pennsylvania's Firearms License Validation System. "The Second Amendment was never meant to be confined by arbitrary state lines," Mastriano stated. He emphasized that constitutional rights should not end when crossing into another state.

Mastriano highlighted cases where individuals were wrongfully detained during routine traffic stops after their concealed carry permits were accessed by out-of-state law enforcement. These incidents have led to legal harassment for those exercising their rights despite having passed background checks and meeting licensing requirements.

The legislation proposes amending Title 18 of Pennsylvania law to stop sharing Firearms License Validation System data with states lacking reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania. Similar measures have been enacted in Virginia, Florida, and Texas to protect citizens from unjust treatment in anti-gun states.

Currently, 23 states allow Constitutional Carry, enabling citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Mastriano expressed concern over Pennsylvania's failure to protect its gun owners: "Pennsylvania must take action to ensure that our citizens are protected from overreaching state governments."

The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.