Gun Owners of America Launches Urgent Pennsylvania Constitutional Carry Campaign
Gun Owners of America issued an urgent alert Monday calling on Pennsylvania gun owners to pressure state legislators for constitutional carry legislation while opposing what the organization calls retaliatory gun control measures. The alert describes "multiple fronts" of legislative battles currently underway in Harrisburg. GOA characterized the push as a "historic opportunity" but emphasized immediate action is required. The organization claims gun control advocates are mounting strong opposition to Second Amendment expansion efforts. Pennsylvania currently requires permits for concealed carry, making it one of 28 states without constitutional carry laws.
Background and Context
Pennsylvania has operated under a shall-issue concealed carry system since 1989, requiring permits through county sheriffs. The state has 1.4 million active carry permits as of 2023. Twenty-seven states now have constitutional carry laws, with Alabama and Ohio joining in recent years. Pennsylvania's legislature has seen constitutional carry bills introduced repeatedly since 2017, but none have reached the governor's desk. The state's preemption law, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120, prohibits local governments from regulating firearms beyond state law, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Several municipalities including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have attempted to pass local gun ordinances despite state preemption.
What This Means for Gun Owners
Pennsylvania gun owners currently pay $20 for initial concealed carry permits and $15 for renewals every five years. Constitutional carry would eliminate these fees and background check requirements for law-abiding carriers. The state's reciprocity agreements with 29 states would likely remain intact under constitutional carry. Pennsylvania residents could carry concealed without permits in their home state while maintaining permit options for travel to states requiring them. Strengthened preemption would prevent local governments from creating patchwork gun laws that criminalize legal behavior across municipal boundaries. Current permit holders would retain their licenses for reciprocity purposes.
Industry Impact
Gun Owners of America represents over 2 million members nationwide and has taken more aggressive stances than the National Rifle Association on constitutional carry issues. The organization has supported constitutional carry legislation in multiple states including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Pennsylvania firearms retailers could see increased handgun sales if constitutional carry removes permit barriers for new gun owners. Training companies might experience reduced demand for permit-required courses but could pivot to voluntary defensive training programs. The Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation have not yet issued statements on the current Pennsylvania push.
What to Watch Next
Pennsylvania's legislative session runs through November 2026, providing time for constitutional carry bills to advance. The state House and Senate judiciary committees will likely hold hearings on any legislation introduced. Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has not stated his position on constitutional carry but previously supported gun control measures as attorney general. The Pennsylvania State Senate holds a Republican majority while Democrats control the House by narrow margins. Legislative committee schedules and bill introductions should emerge within the next 30 days. County sheriff associations may weigh in given their role in current permit processing.
DownRange Bottom Line: Pennsylvania gun owners should contact their legislators immediately while momentum builds for constitutional carry. This represents the best opportunity in years to eliminate permit requirements and strengthen preemption laws. Don't wait—politicians respond to immediate pressure, not passive support.
