The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (LWVPA) believes that the proliferation of handguns and semiautomatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens, in particular children. Firearms are the leading cause of death for US children and teens. For years, we have advocated for the passage of common-sense gun laws that protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians. 

On May 22, 2023, we were thrilled by the historic passage of two life-saving gun safety bills with bipartisan support. House Bill 1018 would create a process by which firearms could be removed from at-risk individuals, a policy proven to prevent suicides, shootings, and domestic violence shooting incidents. In addition, House Bill 714 would provide for increased background checks when purchasing firearms in PA.

Despite the passage of these bills over six months ago, they are now stuck in the PA Senate Judiciary Committee with no sign of movement. The League views this lack of action on the part of our legislators as unacceptable, especially since public opinion polling shows that Pennsylvania voters broadly support both Extreme Risk Protection Orders and universal background check laws. Furthermore, the bills passed in the House with broad bipartisan support and deserve careful and full consideration by the Senate.

The League supports the passage of these bills and calls on members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to take immediate action.

The members of the Senate Judiciary Commitee are majority (Republican) Chair Lisa Baker, Ranking (Democratic) Cochair Steven J. Santarsiero, and members of the Republican majority and Democratic minority, found here. The only local member of the committee, Amanda Cappelletti (D. Parts Delaware and Montgomery Counties), will be a participant in our Jan. 26 Hot Topics program.