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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 9, 2020 03:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Benjamin V. Sanchez and Rep. Mike Zabel |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Establishing a 72-Hour Waiting Period for all Firearm Transfers |
For years, gun violence in America has been an ever-growing issue. In the last decade alone, over 1.2 million Americans have been shot, millions more have had to witness the brutal effects of gun violence firsthand, and nearly all of us will know at least one victim of gun violence in our lifetimes. In 1994, Congress passed The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act imposing a five-day waiting period for handguns purchased from licensed dealers. In the four years between the time that law was passed and when it was eliminated in 1998, there was a 17% drop-off in gun homicides and a 6% reduction in gun suicides. In 2014 alone, 750 gun homicides were avoided in states with waiting-period laws. The time has come for us to take action to protect our friends and families from this preventable tragedy. Our legislation establishes a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm transfers in the state of Pennsylvania. Study after study supports the fact that disrupting impulsive acts of violence and self-harm by establishing a waiting period such as this, saves lives and provides the time necessary for individuals to gain perspective and seek necessary help. By not taking action to prevent the creation of more victims, we are doing a disservice to those we are sworn to serve. We hope to count on your support in taking these necessary steps to make our home safer for those we love. |
Introduced as HB1306