State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-West Newton, is pictured earlier this session in the state House of Representatives.

A state lawmaker wants to remove “character and reputation” provisions included in the state’s License to Carry Firearms permits.

Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-West Newton, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum that would remove the character and reputation provision references on the License to Carry Firearms permit application as well as a requirement that an applicant include personal references on the application.

Similar moral provisions to receive a concealed carry permit in New York state are part of a challenge that could be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court as challenges to New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act make their way through the court system. Antonyuk v. James, was docketed on Jan. 27, 2025 following the filing of a petition for a writ of certiorari filing asking the Supreme Court to review the Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case.

According to the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), “good moral character” means having the necessary temperament, judgment, and character to be trusted with a weapon and use it responsibly, without endangering oneself or others; essentially, demonstrating a responsible and law-abiding nature when it comes to firearm ownership. Critics have said that definition is too broad to provide enough guidance.

“The current language provides no definitions, standards, policies or limitations as to what constitutes a proper “character and reputation” necessary to qualify for a LTCF,” Davanzo wrote in his memorandum. “Under current law, a sheriff can unilaterally deny a LTCF application for a concealed firearm for “character and reputation” concerns or other “good cause.” Under my bill, an applicant who is wrongfully denied the right to a LTCF shall be entitled to attorney fees and costs in any action against the issuing authority.”

Davanzo said all current prohibiting conditions would remain on the permit application, such as conviction of certain crimes, addiction to illegal drugs and mental instability.

Additionally, retention of information relevant to the investigation beyond the initial application and proof of approval, will not be kept for more than 10 days beyond successful issuance or denial of a License to Carry Firearms permit.

The legislation will also require the Attorney General’s Office to seek and establish reciprocity agreements with every state and prohibit unilateral withdrawal from any reciprocity agreement. Additional reporting requirements will detail the progress of the efforts the Attorney General has made to establish reciprocity agreements with other states. Davanzo wants that report to explain the reasons for each state the Commonwealth does not have a reciprocity agreement with.