Post by melody on Feb 7, 2013 14:43:39 GMT -5
WATERS UNVEILS GUN RESPONSIBILITY LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
By Kimberly Hess, PLS
Note: This info may not be copied or posted to any other website or message board.
Rep. Ron Waters (D-Philadelphia) today announced the introduction of a six-bill legislative package aimed at reducing gun violence in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Waters commented, “it breaks my heart” that children wake up every day and are afraid of being shot. He remarked on the devastating effects of gun violence and stated 30,000 people are killed each year in the United States from gun violence and another 60,000 are wounded. He called for enactment of gun laws that will promote public safety without obliterating the hunting culture or taking guns away from responsible owners. He argued the Second Amendment is subject to “reasonable limits” just as the First Amendment has been, suggesting such limits include preventing access to guns by children, the mentally ill, and felons.
Furthermore, Rep. Waters stated, data shows that the majority of Pennsylvanians support legislation to curb gun violence.
“Ninety-five percent of Pennsylvanians favor a universal background check for all potential gun buyers, 60 percent support an assault weapons ban, and 59 percent of citizens support a ban on high-capacity magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds,” he stated. “I am here today to tell you that we can no longer afford to be silent. We need the majority to finally speak up for the smart gun laws that you have supported and to begin convincing your elected officials to take action.”
The legislative package includes the following bills:
· HB 522 would require neighborhood watch groups to register with the attorney general and attend public safety training provided by the Pennsylvania State Police, and grant these watch groups immunity from civil liability if they are registered;
· HB 521 would require individuals to obtain firearm liability insurance if they possess a license to carry a firearm;
· HB 520 would mandate that judges impose a mandatory two-year sentence on a person convicted of carrying a firearm without a license. In addition, this the bill would require judges impose a six-month jail sentence on a person convicted of carrying a firearm without a license who is otherwise eligible to possess one;
· HB 519 would create the Child Fireman Safety Lock Act making it unlawful for a firearm licensee to sell, deliver, or transfer a firearm to a person other than another licensed firearm owner unless the transferee is provided with or purchases a locking device for that particular firearm;
· HB 518 would prohibit an individual from using force for the protection of property, an individual, or one’s own well-being or safety, if the person is either able to retreat or instructed by law enforcement or public safety officials not to pursue the suspect;
· HB 517 would ban certain military-style assault weapons.
Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) offered his support for the legislation. He stated responsible gun legislation can help to prevent tragedies like Columbine. He emphasized the proposals are not attempting to take everybody’s guns away, and further remarked on the need for the state to also address school safety and mental health issues. Rep. Frankel argued these bills will strengthen gun laws and give law enforcement better tools. With rights come responsibilities, he stated, and these laws will accentuate those responsibilities.
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery) spoke as a mother, a grandmother, and a former university teacher. She commented Rep. Waters for his efforts to curb gun violence and called on all legislators to acknowledge their duty to come up with sensible safety legislation and promote a safer community. Rep. Dean also discussed the formation of the PA Safe Caucus and invited all legislators to join. She noted that the caucus is a bipartisan caucus and, in addition to gun control legislation, will explore related issues including drug use and mental health issues.
Rep. Waters called for policies that prevent crimes, not react to them.
When asked what types of weapons would be banned in HB 517, Rep. Waters replied military style weapons would be banned, explaining that civilians have not been trained to operate these weapons and should not have access. He indicated this would include the MAC-10, AK-47, and Bushmaster. He said he is also seeking to limit the amount of ammunition that can be put in the clip. Rep. Waters argued these guns are not used for hunting and often end up in the hands of people with bad intentions. He noted the legislation will only apply prospectively and also suggested a gun buy-back program could be explored.
It was noted that while a bipartisan group of legislators support new gun laws, a bipartisan group also do not support the changes. The legislators were asked if attitudes are changing. Rep. Frankel said he has had conversations with legislators who are members of the NRA and are gun owners, but increasingly they open to conversations and attitudes are changing. He acknowledged an assault weapons ban is “probably a heavy lift,” but universal background checks are a possibly. Minds are changing, he said, “We’re talking about semiautomatics that mimic fully auto pretty darn well.” He noted that the now-expired federal assault weapons ban listed specific weapons and allowed people to buy non-listed that were easily converted, so any new ban will need a more generic description. Rep. Waters remarked the shooting in Newtown, CT, was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and many people’s views are changing.
Rep. Frankel addressed opponents’ claims that more laws are not the answer by pointing out that law enforcement supports proposals to curb violence which give them more tools. He particularly discussed straw purchases and said law enforcement would welcome mandatory reporting laws so they can target those people who are trafficking firearms.
Addressing questions about the expansion of the castle doctrine last session, Rep. Frankel noted he opposed the expansion and wants to prevent unintentional shootings. Rep. Waters said HB 518 presents a framework to rollback the expansions.
Rep. Waters pointed out the NRA offers liability insurance and suggested, much like with auto insurance, firearms insurers will base their rates in information such as how secure the gun is and who will have access to it.
Asked if this is a rural versus urban issue, Rep. Waters stated it should not be a divide, but acknowledged it will be an uphill fight. He stated he wants to dispel the idea that his proposals are attacking the Second Amendment and reiterated it is about gun safety, not gun control. Rep. Dean commented gun violence affects everyone, everywhere. She opined the legislators are responsible for trying to reduce the violence.
Lastly, the members were asked if they are frustrated that the legislation will likely be dismissed as gun control, despite their claims to the contrary. Rep. Dean expressed hope that will not happen. She said, “We do not want to be dismissed, we believe we can make a difference.” She noted changing technology and said the state’s laws must adapt. Rep. Frankel pointed out changing views at the national level, most notably that of US Senator Bob Casey. Rep. Waters welcome all input to the discussion.
By Kimberly Hess, PLS
Note: This info may not be copied or posted to any other website or message board.
Rep. Ron Waters (D-Philadelphia) today announced the introduction of a six-bill legislative package aimed at reducing gun violence in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Waters commented, “it breaks my heart” that children wake up every day and are afraid of being shot. He remarked on the devastating effects of gun violence and stated 30,000 people are killed each year in the United States from gun violence and another 60,000 are wounded. He called for enactment of gun laws that will promote public safety without obliterating the hunting culture or taking guns away from responsible owners. He argued the Second Amendment is subject to “reasonable limits” just as the First Amendment has been, suggesting such limits include preventing access to guns by children, the mentally ill, and felons.
Furthermore, Rep. Waters stated, data shows that the majority of Pennsylvanians support legislation to curb gun violence.
“Ninety-five percent of Pennsylvanians favor a universal background check for all potential gun buyers, 60 percent support an assault weapons ban, and 59 percent of citizens support a ban on high-capacity magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds,” he stated. “I am here today to tell you that we can no longer afford to be silent. We need the majority to finally speak up for the smart gun laws that you have supported and to begin convincing your elected officials to take action.”
The legislative package includes the following bills:
· HB 522 would require neighborhood watch groups to register with the attorney general and attend public safety training provided by the Pennsylvania State Police, and grant these watch groups immunity from civil liability if they are registered;
· HB 521 would require individuals to obtain firearm liability insurance if they possess a license to carry a firearm;
· HB 520 would mandate that judges impose a mandatory two-year sentence on a person convicted of carrying a firearm without a license. In addition, this the bill would require judges impose a six-month jail sentence on a person convicted of carrying a firearm without a license who is otherwise eligible to possess one;
· HB 519 would create the Child Fireman Safety Lock Act making it unlawful for a firearm licensee to sell, deliver, or transfer a firearm to a person other than another licensed firearm owner unless the transferee is provided with or purchases a locking device for that particular firearm;
· HB 518 would prohibit an individual from using force for the protection of property, an individual, or one’s own well-being or safety, if the person is either able to retreat or instructed by law enforcement or public safety officials not to pursue the suspect;
· HB 517 would ban certain military-style assault weapons.
Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) offered his support for the legislation. He stated responsible gun legislation can help to prevent tragedies like Columbine. He emphasized the proposals are not attempting to take everybody’s guns away, and further remarked on the need for the state to also address school safety and mental health issues. Rep. Frankel argued these bills will strengthen gun laws and give law enforcement better tools. With rights come responsibilities, he stated, and these laws will accentuate those responsibilities.
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery) spoke as a mother, a grandmother, and a former university teacher. She commented Rep. Waters for his efforts to curb gun violence and called on all legislators to acknowledge their duty to come up with sensible safety legislation and promote a safer community. Rep. Dean also discussed the formation of the PA Safe Caucus and invited all legislators to join. She noted that the caucus is a bipartisan caucus and, in addition to gun control legislation, will explore related issues including drug use and mental health issues.
Rep. Waters called for policies that prevent crimes, not react to them.
When asked what types of weapons would be banned in HB 517, Rep. Waters replied military style weapons would be banned, explaining that civilians have not been trained to operate these weapons and should not have access. He indicated this would include the MAC-10, AK-47, and Bushmaster. He said he is also seeking to limit the amount of ammunition that can be put in the clip. Rep. Waters argued these guns are not used for hunting and often end up in the hands of people with bad intentions. He noted the legislation will only apply prospectively and also suggested a gun buy-back program could be explored.
It was noted that while a bipartisan group of legislators support new gun laws, a bipartisan group also do not support the changes. The legislators were asked if attitudes are changing. Rep. Frankel said he has had conversations with legislators who are members of the NRA and are gun owners, but increasingly they open to conversations and attitudes are changing. He acknowledged an assault weapons ban is “probably a heavy lift,” but universal background checks are a possibly. Minds are changing, he said, “We’re talking about semiautomatics that mimic fully auto pretty darn well.” He noted that the now-expired federal assault weapons ban listed specific weapons and allowed people to buy non-listed that were easily converted, so any new ban will need a more generic description. Rep. Waters remarked the shooting in Newtown, CT, was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and many people’s views are changing.
Rep. Frankel addressed opponents’ claims that more laws are not the answer by pointing out that law enforcement supports proposals to curb violence which give them more tools. He particularly discussed straw purchases and said law enforcement would welcome mandatory reporting laws so they can target those people who are trafficking firearms.
Addressing questions about the expansion of the castle doctrine last session, Rep. Frankel noted he opposed the expansion and wants to prevent unintentional shootings. Rep. Waters said HB 518 presents a framework to rollback the expansions.
Rep. Waters pointed out the NRA offers liability insurance and suggested, much like with auto insurance, firearms insurers will base their rates in information such as how secure the gun is and who will have access to it.
Asked if this is a rural versus urban issue, Rep. Waters stated it should not be a divide, but acknowledged it will be an uphill fight. He stated he wants to dispel the idea that his proposals are attacking the Second Amendment and reiterated it is about gun safety, not gun control. Rep. Dean commented gun violence affects everyone, everywhere. She opined the legislators are responsible for trying to reduce the violence.
Lastly, the members were asked if they are frustrated that the legislation will likely be dismissed as gun control, despite their claims to the contrary. Rep. Dean expressed hope that will not happen. She said, “We do not want to be dismissed, we believe we can make a difference.” She noted changing technology and said the state’s laws must adapt. Rep. Frankel pointed out changing views at the national level, most notably that of US Senator Bob Casey. Rep. Waters welcome all input to the discussion.