HARRISBURG, March 27, 2006 - The Senate today unanimously approved a proposal by state Sen. Michael Stack to provide adequate time for deployed service members to renew their concealed-carry licenses.

“A constituent serving in the National Guard brought this issue to my attention”, said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “He was worried that soldiers and sailors may have their concealed-carry permits lapse while serving our country overseas. This bill ensures that members of the National Guard and the United States Armed Forces would continue to have the right to carry a concealed firearm and give them adequate time to renew their licenses.”

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 and license as proof of their ability to carry a firearm during the extension period.

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.

The bill now heads to the House.

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