For more than three years, Pennsylvanians have been fighting to pass legislation to disarm domestic abusers quickly and securely. Now we only have a matter of weeks to ensure this life-saving legislation is passed.
State representatives are heading back to work in Harrisburg this month and are deciding what legislation to prioritize. But will they do their job and protect Pennsylvanians from harm by passing HB 2060?
Let's make sure they do: Send this message to your representative using the form now >>
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support and call for the passage of HB 2060, a bill that will save lives and protect Pennsylvanians from domestic abusers with guns.
HB 2060 would prohibit all domestic abusers subject to a final protection from abuse order from possessing a gun and require them to turn in the ones they already own for as long as the order remains in effect. The bill would also ensure that abusers who are convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence — who are already required to transfer their guns under Pennsylvania law — surrender their guns quickly and securely.
With only a matter of days left on the legislative calendar to pass this life-saving bill this year, we need you to help make sure this bill passes. Domestic violence survivors who need protection from abusers armed with a gun can't afford to wait any longer.
HB 2060 is common sense policy that respects the Second Amendment and keeps guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. There are so many important reasons for the House of Representatives to act immediately and no reason to wait: (1) Its entire purpose is to save lives. (2) It has bipartisan support. (3) Law enforcement supports it. (4) The majority of Pennsylvanians support the law. (5) Its companion bill, SB 501, was passed unanimously by the Senate in March.
Last year, 78 Pennsylvanians were shot and killed in domestic violence related incidents, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Research shows that access to a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that the woman will be killed.
This is too important to get caught up in politics. Please prioritize the survivors of domestic abuse in Pennsylvania who are counting on you to get this done this year.