×

Gun proposals introduced in state legislature

Democrats admit three pieces of legislation limiting gun ownership stand little chance of being enacted, but have introduced them anyway.

The latest bill is sponsored by Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, and Rep. Mike Zabel, D-Delaware, and would institute a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm transfers. House Bill 1306 was introduced in the House of Representatives on Friday.

“Our legislation establishes a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm transfers in the state of Pennsylvania,” Sanchez and Zabel wrote in their legislative memorandum. “Study after study supports the fact that disrupting impulsive acts of violence and self-harm by establishing a waiting period such as this, saves lives and provides the time necessary for individuals to gain perspective and seek necessary help. By not taking action to prevent the creation of more victims, we are doing a disservice to those we are sworn to serve. We hope to count on your support in taking these necessary steps to make our home safer for those we love.”

The 72-hour limit would not apply to a transfer between spouses, a parent or a child or a transfer between a grandparent and a grandchild.

Sanchez and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, recently introduced House Bill 980, legislation requiring anyone who loses a gun or whose gun is stolen to report it to police within 72 hours of discovery or face charges. Similar legislation is on the books in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Rhode Island. In March, Sanchez and Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation banning multi-burst trigger activators.

Sanchez, in a March op-ed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Star which Sanchez included in a March newsletter to constituents.

“In the Pennsylvania Legislature, my party, the Democrats, has been in the minority for more than a decade, meaning it’s sometimes difficult for Democrats to pass the type of legislation we feel is best for the people of this commonwealth, not because those proposals are partisan, but because they are made partisan,” Sanchez wrote in a March op-ed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Star which Sanchez included in a March newsletter to constituents. “Let me be clear: Responsibility does not equal abolishing the Second Amendment. I do not want the government to take your guns. I do not want law-abiding, licensed gun owners in this country to lose their Constitutional right to bear arms.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today