Does PA meet IL "Substantially Similar" definition?

[kwc]

Non-resident applicants for an Illinois concealed carry license must be residents of a state with concealed carry regulations that are "substantially similar" to those of Illinois. The draft rules use this definition for substantially similar:

"Substantially Similar" means the comparable state regulates who may carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; prohibits all who have mental health admissions, voluntary or involuntary, within the past 5 years or greater from carrying firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; reports denied persons to NICS; and participates in reporting persons authorized to carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public through NLETs.

NLET is the "National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System."

Does anyone know enough about PA's process to assess whether or not PA meets this definition? My assumption is "no," based mainly on the mental health provision and carry restrictions... allowing open carry without a license (the "otherwise" in the "concealed or otherwise" text in the definition) would be a significant issue.

Thanks!
Kwc

[jthrelf]

I would say no since PA does not have a training requirement.

[kwc]

I would say no since PA does not have a training requirement.

Surprisingly, training is not covered in the definition of "substantially similar." I assumed that would be the biggest issue, too, until I found and read the definition in the proposed rule.

[gbrown221]

Non-resident applicants for an Illinois concealed carry license must be residents of a state with concealed carry regulations that are "substantially similar" to those of Illinois. The draft rules use this definition for substantially similar:

"Substantially Similar" means the comparable state regulates who may carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; prohibits all who have mental health admissions, voluntary or involuntary, within the past 5 years or greater from carrying firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public; reports denied persons to NICS; and participates in reporting persons authorized to carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public through NLETs.

NLET is the "National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System."

Does anyone know enough about PA's process to assess whether or not PA meets this definition? My assumption is "no," based mainly on the mental health provision and carry restrictions... allowing open carry without a license (the "otherwise" in the "concealed or otherwise" text in the definition) would be a significant issue.

Thanks!
Kwc

Spoke to the LT in the IL State Police gun permitting unit when I phoned about my application to be an approved IL concealed weapons instructor. He indicated that to date the only states who meet the "substantially similar" are CA, NJ, and Hawaii.

[HKusp 45]

Spoke to the LT in the IL State Police gun permitting unit when I phoned about my application to be an approved IL concealed weapons instructor. He indicated that to date the only states who meet the "substantially similar" are CA, NJ, and Hawaii.

Wow I mean wow, why doesn't he just say no then save some time.

[kwc]

Spoke to the LT in the IL State Police gun permitting unit when I phoned about my application to be an approved IL concealed weapons instructor. He indicated that to date the only states who meet the "substantially similar" are CA, NJ, and Hawaii.

The "substantially similar" clause applies to obtaining a CCL, but fortunately it is not a requirement for becoming an instructor. Were you successful?

[libra8]

Spoke to the LT in the IL State Police gun permitting unit when I phoned about my application to be an approved IL concealed weapons instructor. He indicated that to date the only states who meet the "substantially similar" are CA, NJ, and Hawaii.

That's freakin funny. Yet sad. :-(

[ray h]

He indicated that to date the only states who meet the "substantially similar" are CA, NJ, and Hawaii.

He forgot to mention anyone holding a CCW permit issued by Washington DC, Canada, Great Britain and Australia.

[rmagill]

Nope. PA does not prohibit someone from possessing a firearm who voluntarily seeks mental health assistance. Involuntarily is a different story.

[Remington788]

And it sounds like a mental illness commitment is only a prohibiter for 5 years. Does that sound right?