Issue Position: Gun Violence
Issue Position
Gun violence is an epidemic in this country and Pennsylvania, and Joe supports commonsense solutions to curb gun violence. These changes might not stop all gun violence, but they would help to keep guns out of the wrong hands and make our neighborhoods safer.
Joe's legislative approach to reducing gun violence across the state includes:
*Background checks for all gun sales
*Legislation similar to legislation passed in California that would authorize the use of Gun Violence *Restraining Orders (GVRO)
*Closing the so-called "gun show loophole"
*A ban on the purchase of assault weapons
*A law requiring the reporting of lost or stolen guns
*Overturning Act 192 signed by Gov. Corbett that allows individuals and special interest groups to sue local governments that pass any gun laws
*Increased funding for mental health services
Selected policy positions are highlighted below.
Background Checks for All Gun Sales
Pennsylvania made great strides at preventing guns from falling into the wrong hands by adding the PA Instant Check System, however there are still significant loopholes that need to be closed. Pennsylvania needs laws on the books that require private sales of long guns such as rifles, shotguns and semi-automatics to be included in the background check requirement. Joe supports legislation like HB 1010 that would require potential purchasers of these weapons to undergo a background check.
Gun Violence Restraining Order
Joe will sponsor legislation similar to California's Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) legislation and PA HB 1030 which would allow immediate family members to seek a gun violence restraining order against a loved one if they are exhibiting warning signs of impending violence. A judge would then determine if this individual is at-risk and requires a GVRO. The order would temporarily prohibit that person from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition, allow law enforcement to temporarily remove any firearms. In the interim, this individual would be provided the resources to get the help he or she needs.
This legislation puts the power to determine if an individual is at-risk not only in the hands of mental health professionals, but also in the hands of family members and those closest to the individual.
This legislation will empower domestic violence victims to properly protect themselves from potential abuse. It will also reinforce the basic principle of the seriousness of the responsibilities that go with being a gun owner; responsibilities that include personal conduct and upright character. Joe favors this law because it restores a balance between the rights of domestic violence victims and their abusers and it will save lives.
Repealing the Preemption Bill (Act 192)
Act 192, which was signed into law by former Governor Tom Corbett, allows any citizen of Pennsylvania and any special-interest group (such as the National Rifle Association) to sue any local government that has passed a gun law different from what has been passed at the state level. This law gives deep-pocketed special interest groups the power to bully cash-strapped towns from passing legislation aimed at preventing gun violence. This law only stands to benefit the gun lobby, and Joe will work to fix it when elected.
Assault Weapons Ban
The Federal ban on assault weapons lapsed in 2004, opening a legal market for these highly powerful and dangerous weapons. Seven states have already enacted laws to ban these weapons, and other states have implemented partial bans. It is time Pennsylvania took action. Joe supports legislation similar to HB 517 in the 2013-2014 Legislative Session prohibiting the sale or transfer of assault weapons for private citizens with exemptions for specific groups such as members of the United States Armed Forces.
Mental Health Funding
Related to gun laws, Joe supports increased funding for mental health services, which would reduce the number of gun violence deaths in America. Gun violence needs to be viewed more holistically; most gun deaths (more than 60% in this country) are actually caused by suicide. Increasing services for the mentally ill that are designed to identify and help those who suffer from mental illness is key to reducing both suicides and mass shootings.
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