House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In 1982 the Pennsylvania Game Commission began requiring hunter education training before a first-time hunter or trapper could buy a Pennsylvania Hunting or Trapping License. Since implementing this requirement, hunting-related shooting incidents have decreased by nearly 80%. 

 

This example of a safety training requirement can and should be used for all first-time firearm owners. The training proposed in this legislation would provide guidance on a number of gun violence safety concerns including safe storage, awareness and prevention measures for suicide, child access, domestic violence, and road rage as well as how to properly interact with law enforcement while carrying a firearm. 

 

Research by the University of Washington has shown that approximately 80% of the public is supportive of training requirements for gun ownership and that only 60% of gun owners have received some form of firearm handling training.  

 

The Pennsylvania State Police would be responsible for administering these trainings and issuing firearm safety certificates upon successful completion. Exemptions for this requirement would be provided to individuals who have completed hunter safety training, law enforcement, active duty and retired military. 

  
I hope you will join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure the safety of our friends, families, and neighbors. 

 

This legislation had previously been introduced as HB 1846 of the 2021-2022 legislative session. Cosponsors of that bill included Sanchez, Zabel, Schlossberg, Freeman, Hohenstein, Pashinski, Sims, Warren, Daley, Shusterman, Otten, D. Williams, Howard, Ciresi, Herrin, Hanbidge, Kinkead, Kenyatta, Briggs, Krajewski, N. Nelson, Deasy, Covington.