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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	August 29, 2022 09:17 AM
From:	Representative Frank A. Farry and Rep. Kathleen C. Tomlinson
To:	All House members
Subject:	Mandatory Jail Time for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

When previously convicted felons defy the law to possess a firearm illegally, the result is too often violence and death.  As crime surges in the City of Philadelphia, more and more dangerous criminals are illegally possessing firearms because they know there are no hard consequences even if they are caught and prosecuted.  Is it really any wonder that homicides and other shootings have surged to record levels in the City?   Swift and certain punishment for these offenders found illegally possessing firearms will deter and prevent more violent crimes.  For that reason, we are proposing a bill to impose a new mandatory minimum sentence for previously convicted offenders found to be illegally in possession of a firearm.  For a first offense, we propose that the criminal receive mandatory jail time of a short, but meaningful, period of under two years.  But for a second or subsequent offense - for those criminals who resist rehabilitation and continue to defy the law - mandatory, lengthy state prison time would apply.   Previously convicted offenders who nevertheless insist on illegally possessing firearms are exactly the dangerous individuals who need to be stopped before more blood is shed.  Please join us in sponsoring this legislation.

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