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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 26, 2022 12:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Benjamin V. Sanchez and Rep. Aerion Abney |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Banning Future Sales of Assault Weapons |
In the wake of another senseless and avoidable tragedy, we would like to call to the attention of our colleagues our legislative proposal to curb the violence in our schools and our streets. High-capacity semi-automatic rifles in the style of the AR-15 were found at the mass shooting sites of an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas; an Orlando nightclub; an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut; a Texas church, a high school in Parkland, Florida; and a synagogue in Pittsburgh. While several states have enacted legislation banning these types of weapons, Pennsylvania has failed to follow. The Commonwealth needs to address this major public safety issue by effectively banning the possession, purchase, transfer, use or manufacture of an assault weapon. Exceptions will be made for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, National Guard or law enforcement while performing and traveling to and from official duties. The legislation would also not impact a person in lawful ownership of these weapons prior to the date of the new policy enforcement. We do not take this authorship lightly. We know full-well that this remains an emotionally and politically charged issue on both sides of the argument. However, we fully believe that that our legislation would help keep our communities safe and will prevent additional devastation that has caused pain to so many families and communities in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Please join us in making a difference. |