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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 2, 2023 09:18 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Extreme Risk Protection Orders (former House Bill 1903) |
| Today, February 2nd, marks the 20th anniversary of my father’s death by gun suicide. A Philadelphia firefighter for 25 years and proud father of four, my beloved dad suffered from undiagnosed mental health issues due to the extreme, and sometimes devastating, circumstances he experienced during emergency responses. His death was a tragedy, and it was one that I believe we can work to prevent happening to other families. Sadly, too many Pennsylvanians’ lives are ended each year from firearms. While homicides are widely publicized, more Pennsylvanians die by the hidden tragedy of suicide. Of the 1,883 firearm-related fatalities in the commonwealth in 2021, 997 (53%) were suicides. Furthermore, gun suicide affects every corner of our great state. From rural, to urban and suburban areas, no region, county or community is immune from this travesty, as my family knows all too well. In honor of the anniversary of my father’s death, I plan to reintroduce legislation that would provide for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). ERPOs provide a mechanism for loved ones, family members, or law enforcement to ask a Judge to hold a hearing to temporarily disarm someone in crisis. Through this limited, measured response, data shows we can reduce suicides in Pennsylvania. In the hopes of continuing my father’s legacy of saving lives, please join me in sponsoring legislation that can change the outcome for those struggling with similar mental health issues. |
Introduced as HB1018