‘Common-sense solution' Pennsylvania bill could change firearm license process

Yahoo

12-02-2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Representative announced plans to reintroduce legislation surrounding firearm eligibility licenses in response to gun violence.
The bill, authored by Emily Kinkead (D – Allegheny), would create new firearm eligibility under Title 18 of the Crime Code. To apply for the license, residents of Pennsylvania would follow a similar process to the one currently used when applying for a concealed carry permit.
To qualify for a license, an applicant will need to be 18 years or older, live in the Commonwealth, complete a firearms safety course and otherwise not be prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Kinkead argued that when Connecticut passed a licensing law, its firearm homicide rate decreased by 28% and its firearm suicide rate decreased by 33%.
Before issuing a firearm to a buyer, the issuing body may conduct a review of the applicant's criminal history, juvenile delinquency records and mental health records as well as an investigation as to whether the individual is otherwise precluded by law from owning a firearm, according to the bill.
'The goal of this legislation is simple: to ensure that our communities are safe places for our children to grow,' Kinkead wrote. 'This legislation is a common-sense solution with a broad base of support — in fact, the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that most American gun owners support going through law enforcement to receive a permit—and constitutional: a similar bill enacted in Maryland was upheld in federal court.'
Under this legislation, any individual denied a license is entitled to file an appeal by submitting a challenge to the Pennsylvania State Police within 30 days from the date of the denial.
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