House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to require the transfer of all existing mental health data to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), as well as permit the use of a single multi-day background check approval at gun shows across the Commonwealth.

While the debate on guns is a divisive issue, there are two areas that I believe both sides can agree on: 1) The reasonable dissemination of data by law enforcement to ensure those with mental health issues are unable to get their hands on a firearm; and 2) Enacting common sense gun reform that does not infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Specifically, my legislation will require the Pennsylvania State Police to send all existing mental health data within 90 days to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and necessitate ongoing submissions to the national database within 72 hours of the State Police receiving mental health data.

In addition, my legislation will allow individuals to obtain a multiple-day background check approval to be used at a licensed gun show within the Commonwealth. Therefore, lawful gun owners would not have to pay for multiple background checks should they decide to purchase more than one firearm. Finally, my bill will require all firearm sales, regardless of barrel length, to be conducted in front of a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or county sheriff, as the current provision is only applicable to short-barreled firearms.


In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history, it is not a moment too soon that we find bi-partisan common ground on legislation that respects an individual’s right to own a firearm while simultaneously ensuring the safety of individuals across the Commonwealth from people with serious mental health issues and prohibited criminal histories.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this vital and timely legislation. Please email questions to whaigood@pahouse.net.

Thank you