The General Assembly finds that: the number of violent crimes committed in the State has increased alarmingly in recent years; a high percentage of violent crimes committed in the State involves the use of handguns; the result is a substantial increase in the number of deaths and injuries largely traceable to the carrying of handguns in public places by criminals; current law has not been effective in curbing the more frequent use of handguns in committing crime; and additional regulations on the wearing, carrying, and transporting of handguns are necessary to preserve the peace and tranquility of the State and to protect the rights and liberties of the public.