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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 5, 2016 02:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maria P. Donatucci |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Voluntary No Firearm Purchase List |
| In the near future, I will be introducing a bill that would establish a voluntary firearm purchase self-exclusion list to be maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. An individual would be able to request placement on a list for one year, five years or lifetime, and could also voluntarily surrender any existing firearms to the PSP for safekeeping. When the person’s name is removed from the list, the PSP must return the surrendered firearms. To ensure the effectiveness of the voluntary self-exclusion list, my legislation requires the PSP to check the list each time a licensed firearms dealer requests approval of a potential sale or transfer. My legislation was inspired by the existing voluntary gambling self-exclusion list. Just as the Gaming Control Board’s program allows an individual suffering from gambling addiction to exclude themselves from gaming at Pennsylvania licensed establishments, the firearm purchase self-exclusion list will help those who believe they should not have access to firearms, but are not statutorily prohibited from possessing a firearm. My legislation will help individuals who are struggling with mental or emotional health concerns and fear they may be a danger to themselves or others by giving them a safe, confidential and voluntary avenue to prevent access to firearms. Further, the period of self-exclusion can be temporary, meaning the person will be permitted to purchase firearms again and can even get their surrendered guns back when they feel they are ready to end their placement on the list. We must take every opportunity to help those with mental health issues and to prevent firearm injury or death. My bill could help save a life by preventing an impulse firearm purchase. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2429