HARRISBURG, February 15, 2006 – A proposal by state Sen. Michael Stack to provide adequate time for recently deployed service members to renew their concealed-carry licenses won unanimous support yesterday from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“A constituent who serves in the National Guard recently brought this issue to my attention,” said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “He was concerned that veterans might lose their ability to carry concealed weapons upon returning from Iraq or Afghanistan if their firearm licenses expired while they were serving overseas. I believe this is a commonsense solution, and I thank the Judiciary Committee for sending this bill to the Senate floor.”

Senate Bill 866 would provide members of the National Guard and Armed Forces with a 90-day extension for a license to carry a concealed firearm. The extension would be granted if the service member was deployed overseas and the permit expired during that time. Service members would be required to present a copy of their military orders as proof of their ability to carry a firearm during the extension period.

“This legislation is intended to make sure veterans are not penalized in any way for their military service”, said Stack.

Concealed-carry licenses are currently valid for five years. While law enforcement officers do not require such a license, private investigators, security personnel, and public citizens are required to obtain a concealed-carry permit.

Private investigators and security personnel are also required to obtain an Act 235 license to carry a gun for employment. Stack intends to introduce similar legislation with regard to Act 235 licensing.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

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