A myriad of bipartisan bills designed to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safer – none of which come anywhere close to wholesale rejection of the 2nd Amendment, as fear mongers might have you believe – continue to languish in committee, not even deemed important enough to discuss, let alone receive votes. Read more

HARRISBURG (August 7, 2020) – Today, a group of state lawmakers from Delaware County called for District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to investigate violence and intimidation aimed at Black Lives Matter supporters during a march in Ridley Township on Saturday, August 1 st . State Sens. Tim Kearney and Anthony Williams as well as State Reps. Leanne Krueger, Margo Davidson, David Delloso, Brian Kirkland, and Joanna McClinton signed the letter, which details how peaceful protesters were met with violence and intimidation by a group of counter-protesters. The letter calls for Delaware County’s District Attorney to investigate the counter-protesters’ actions and the Ridley Township Police Department’s response. “I was proud to participate in the Black Lives Matter protest and stand with people of all races and all ages against systemic racism,” said Sen. Tim Kearney . “But I was disturbed by the hate and intimidation that I witnessed firsthand from counter-protesters. We are better than that. We need to make sure our community feels safe when peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights.” “I join others across our community in expressing horror that this demonstration of love and support for Black lives was met by a menacing group with a mission to taunt and intimidate peaceful protesters,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger . “Instead of actively protecting the First Amendment rights of our Read more

Pa. state Rep. Ben Sanchez joined state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta to address gun violence across the commonwealth. He explained that his legislation would help protect Pennsylvanians and keep firearms in the hands of responsible owners. Read more

“Given Republican leadership’s commitment to inaction, we must get creative to cut gun violence at its roots. Through his work both in Harrisburg and his district, Representative Kirkland has exhibited the leadership needed to fight the scourge of gun violence.” Read more

“Governor Wolf addressed so many critical issues, and I am hopeful all of us in the legislature can find some common ground so we can better fund our schools, increase the minimum wage, improve our communities and keep all in our commonwealth safer. I look forward to continuing to work for the 159th and all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Kristine C. Howard, D-Chester, today introduced legislation that would make Pennsylvania the latest state to prohibit licensed gunowners from carrying a concealed firearm while intoxicated. “Alcohol intoxication clouds judgement and dulls a person’s ability to discern the consequences of their actions,” Rabb said. “Similar to the hazards an intoxicated driver poses to themselves and the public, a firearm in the hands of even the most diligent handler who is intoxicated can also be dangerous and potentially fatal.” Under the bill, individuals carrying a firearm with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater would be penalized with a summary offense, a $100 fine and suspension of their concealed carry permit for up to three years. The bill would also impose a third-degree misdemeanor, a $500 fine, and a license suspension for a minimum of three years, with the possibility of permanent permit revocation. Rabb said alcohol has been the constant variable in many violent crimes cases and pointed to a 2015 study that found a positive association between alcohol misuse, risk behaviors involving firearms and firearm violence, both self-inflicted and against another person. According to the study, deaths among men caused by alcohol-related violence firearm violence were equal to those from motor-vehicle crashes also involving alcohol. The legislation poises Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, this morning joined Gov. Tom Wolf, justices and fellow legislators at a news conference with Pew Charitable Trusts on the creation of a Juvenile Justice Task Force, which will develop a report on steps the Commonwealth can take to strengthen the juvenile justice system. “This task force is a great step towards a safe, healthy and well-educated future for the children of Pennsylvania,” Howard said. “When it comes to the welfare of Pennsylvania’s youth—and to improving our communities across the commonwealth—there is much work to be done. This data-driven task force is the way forward, and I look forward to taking up its recommendations. “I am committed to supporting the membership of this task force in any way I can to develop and pass evidence-based recommendations that will ensure that our systems are fair, equitable and responsive to all youth.” Joining Howard and Wolf were Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, the Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark, the Hon. Douglas Reichley, Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia/Delaware, Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Philadelphia, and Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland. Read more

The Special Council was created as part of Wolf’s executive order signed in August and tasked with studying and making recommendations to prevent and reduce gun violence. Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., announced she has introduced a series of bills designated to protect law-abiding gun owners, children and residents in the commonwealth. “It’s unfortunate that anyone could potentially become a victim to gun violence here in Pennsylvania. Whether accidental or intentional, one life lost is one too many. We must put commonsense legislation in place to prevent senseless killings from occurring in the future,” Fitzgerald said. “My three bills would preserve the rights of Pennsylvanians who are carrying guns legally, safeguard our children from being killed accidentally and enforce a ‘cooling-off’ period for a person who may have experienced an unpleasant incident in their life and who looks to potentially commit an act of violence.” The bills introduced by Fitzgerald are: H.B. 2076 – Would require driver’s licenses and photo identification cards to indicate a person possesses a concealed carry permit. H.B. 2077 – Would require all firearms be safely stored whenever they are not in use. H.B. 2078 – Would establish a 72-hour waiting period for purchases of semi-automatic assault rifles. Fitzgerald is a member of the PA SAFE Caucus , which is made up of 70 members of the PA House and Senate who believe in reducing all types of violence in society through Read more

Judiciary meeting a missed opportunity to address the public health crisis of gun violence Read more