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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 9, 2019 11:46 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Additional Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order Safeguards |
| Act 79 of 2018, enacted from House Bill 2060, was a major step in implementing commonsense gun reform for victims of domestic violence, ensuring that a violent abuser surrenders their guns within a 24-hour period after being ordered to do so. However, there was some shortcomings with the bill. If the abuser simply claims they do not own a gun, there is nothing the courts can do to prove otherwise, and disallowing intervention that could save a life. We must do more. I am introducing legislation that would create a mechanism to allow victims of abuse to petition the court with sufficient proof that there are guns in the home and present a significant danger to the victim. This will then permit law enforcement to seize the guns, providing further protection for victims and their families. If a petitioner has already provided sufficient evidence to procure a protection from abuse order (PFA), they should not have to fear that it will fail to protect them because their abuser has lied. Please join me in supporting, protecting, and saving the lives of domestic violence victims. |