Title
Urging the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 501, which would require the relinquishment of all guns within 24 hours by individuals who are the subject of Protection from Abuse orders, shorten the time defendants convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence must surrender their guns from 60 days to 48 hours, and prohibit allowing friends and family members outside of abusers' households to store firearms surrendered by these individuals.
Body
WHEREAS, On March 28, 2017, Senator Thomas Killion, a Republican serving parts of Chester and Delaware counties, introduced Senate Bill 501, legislation designed to enhance safety for all parties involved in Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence that require relinquishment of firearms; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 501 (SB 501) has bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Senators Costa, Dinniman, Farnese, Haywood, Hughes, Leach, McGarrigle, McIlhinney, Sabatina, Schwank, Street, Tomlinson, Williams, Blake, Fontana, and Tartaglione; and
WHEREAS, SB 501 received unanimous support in the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, before being referred to the full Senate for a vote; and
WHEREAS, The Senate unanimously passed SB 501 on March 21, 2018 with a 50-0 vote, and the bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on March 26, 2018; and
WHEREAS, The intent of this bill is to enhance safety for individuals and their children in domestic violence and PFA situations. Enhancing their safety during these difficult times helps not only these families, but also law enforcement charged with overall public safety; and
WHEREAS, SB 501 would require for the first time in Pennsylvania the relinquishment of all guns by individuals who are the subject of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, within 24 hours; and
WHEREAS, The bill would also shorten the time defendants convicted of misdemeanor cri...
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