Title
Calling on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass House Bills 338, 714, 731, and 1018 which address reasonable firearms restrictions that will enhance the safety of all Pennsylvanians and Philadelphians.
Body
WHEREAS, On April 26, 2023, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives met to consider four pieces of legislation, House Bills 228, 714, 731, and 1018. These commonsense reforms will allow the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia to implement measures to keep our citizens safe; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 338 introduced by Representatives Ben Sanchez and Malcolm Kenyatta, enacts reporting requirements for individuals whose firearms have been lost or stolen. This legislation allows for further tracking of firearms that could possibly end up in the wrong hands. This legislation can go a long way in combatting straw purchases and other methods that sustain the illegal transfer of firearms. Philadelphia has a version of this law that is being heavily litigated in the court system, and allowing for its implementation will be an effective tool to enhance public safety; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 714 introduced by Representative Perry Warren enhances background checks in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Currently, the Commonwealth requires background checks on all handgun purchases, but they are not required to purchase other firearms like rifles or through sales that are private and at gun shows. This bill will close the "gun show loophole" and enact background check requirements for firearms regardless of barrel length. Comprehensive background checks are proven methods that save lives, and they should be implemented across all firearm purchases in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 731 introduced by Representative Darisha Parker requires that when an individual purchases a rifle, they will also receive a locking mechanism to ensure safe storage. This is currently the law for handgun purchases, but this legislation ...
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