Posted: | February 27, 2018 03:06 PM |
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From: | Representative Peter Schweyer |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Banning the sale or possession of assault weapons for individuals under the age of 21 |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act to add a definition of assault weapon—similar to the 1994 federal assault weapons ban—and to ban the sale or possession of these weapons for individuals under the age of 21. These high powered, military-style semi-automatic firearms have an incredible capacity to inflict damage. As such, it is important that those who decide to possess these weapons have reached a level of maturity, and ideally training, in order to safely own and operate these firearms. Consistent with the age to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer, or obtain license to carry a concealed weapon, raising the minimum age for possession of or purchase of an assault weapon will promote safer, more responsible firearm ownership. Too often, we have seen the tragic, deadly consequences that these weapons can have in the wrong hands—these include young men like in the case of the shootings in Sandy Hook, Ct, and Parkland, Fl. Members of the armed services would be exempt from this law. Please join me in support of this common sense measure that will help promote public safety, and a greater respect for firearms within this commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB2170