House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

The United States ranks first worldwide in the number of firearms owned with about 88.8 firearms per 100 people, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. That’s almost 300 million guns total, nearly enough for every man, woman and child. Given these numbers, it’s imperative to make certain that firearms are properly owned.

I am proposing the creation of a new firearm eligibility license. The license would require an individual to be at least 21 years of age, complete an application, live in Pennsylvania, complete a firearms safety training course within the last three years and not be prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Current and former law enforcement, military and corrections officers would be among those exempt from the training course requirements. The license would be valid for five years and any individual whose application is denied or license is revoked could petition a court for review.

The goal of my legislation is not to unduly burden the responsible gun owners among us, but to instill that same responsibility in each and every citizen so that our communities are safe places for our children to grow. In fact, research conducted by NORC, at the University of Chicago has found that 72 percent of Americans support a law requiring individuals purchasing a firearm to go through law enforcement to receive a permit. Furthermore, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, 59 percent of gun owners support such a law.

Please join me in protecting Pennsylvania residents by ensuring that every gun owner is responsible and safe. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.