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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 16, 2023 12:27 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Steven J. Santarsiero and Sen. Amanda M. Cappelletti |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Protecting Children from Accidental Gun Injuries and Deaths |
| The presence of unsecured firearms in homes is one of the greatest threats to our children. In 2022 there were at least 321 unintentional shootings by children, resulting in 143 deaths and 188 injuries nationally. With an estimated 4.6 million children in this country living in a home with at least one loaded, unlocked gun, we are simply not doing enough to protect the safety and well-being of those we love most. That is why in the near future, we plan on introducing legislation to require safe storage of firearms when children are present in the home. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in a felony of the third degree if the firearm is used in a crime, or if death or grievous injury is caused, or a summary offense (misdemeanor of the third degree if second or subsequent offense) if a child is found in unlawful possession of a firearm. Please joins us in co-sponsoring this common-sense measure that would protect our children and our communities without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. |
Introduced as SB457