Ending Gun Violence
Joe supports common sense solutions to curb gun violence. These changes 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:
Require background checks for all gun sales
Authorize the use of Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO)
Close the so-called “gun show loophole”
A ban on the purchase of assault weapons, including the AR-15
Require the reporting of lost or stolen guns
Overturn 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
Common Sense Gun Reform
Pennsylvania made great strides towards preventing guns from falling into the wrong hands with the creation of the PA Instant Check System in 1998. In the more than two decades since however, we have not adequately kept up with the growing threat of gun violence, and there are still significant loopholes that need to be closed.
Pennsylvania also needs laws on the books that require private sales of long guns (such as rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons) to be included in the background check requirement. Joe supports legislation requiring potential purchasers of these weapons to undergo a background check.
Additionally, Joe believes must update gun regulations to help curb the proliferation of “ghost guns,” which are often assembled from kits, do not contain serial numbers, and are sold without background checks, making them difficult to trace and easy to acquire by criminals.
Extreme Risk Protection Order
Joe supports Extreme Risk Protection legislation 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 protection order. The order would temporarily prohibit that person from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition, and 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. It is Joe’s great hope and belief that these measures will go a long way towards preventing future tragedies.
This legislation will empower domestic violence victims to properly protect themselves from potential abuse. It will also serve to reinforce the serious responsibilities that go with being a gun owner in a free society; responsibilities that include personal conduct and upright character. Joe favors this law because it restores a much-needed balance between the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the rights of all citizens to lead a life free from gun violence.
Assault Weapons Ban
The Federal ban on assault weapons lapsed in 2004, opening a legal market for these highly dangerous weapons. Seven states and the District of Columbia have already enacted laws to ban these weapons, and other states have implemented partial bans. It is high time that Pennsylvania took action. Joe supports legislation 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 the result of suicide. Increasing services for the mentally ill that are designed to identify and help those who suffer from mental illness are key to reducing both suicides and mass shootings.