IF YOU HAVE A PFA YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE A GUN

 HARRISBURG, Oct. 25 – State Sen. Connie Williams says that is common sense to give Pennsylvania courts the power to remove firearms from people accused of domestic abuse.

 “In 2003, I introduced legislation that would ensure that people with Protection From Abuse orders do not have access to firearms,” Williams said. “Even with a PFA in place, a disagreement can escalate, and a fight could turn into a tragedy if a firearm is involved.”

 Williams’ legislation (S.B.531) would expand the list of offenses that disqualify gun buyers to include those who have had a PFA filed against them within the last five years. Currently, only people with an active PFA that provides for the confiscation of firearms during the time period of the order are disqualified from purchasing guns.

 A similar measure, H.B. 1717, sponsored by state Rep. Kathy Manderino, D-Phila., Montgomery, passed the Senate today. The legislation would allow county judges the option to order defendants with PFA orders against them to surrender all of their guns and other weapons to a sheriff or approved third party within 24 hours of the PFA’s activation. Weapons would be withheld during the duration of the PFA order. Surrender of weapons would be mandatory if a PFA is violated.

 The bill allows law enforcement to impose criminal charges for failure to surrender weapons when ordered, along with an up to five-year jail sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, people charged under the law would permanently lose their right to possess firearms.

 “It takes courage to obtain a PFA and to get out of a violent relationship,” Williams said. “Under this proposal, a new safeguard would be put in place to protect victims. Violence often escalates after a PFA order has been issued and unfortunately firearms seem to be the weapons of choice in many cases. By removing the firearms from the situation, victims and their families will be safer.”

 Various groups offered input on the legislation, including the Pennsylvania Domestic Violence Coalition, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, and the National Rifle Association.

 Williams noted that the legislation would save lives, as well as safeguard the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The legislation returns to the House for concurrence.