WASHINGTON BILL WOULD STOP ILLEGAL HANDGUN TRAFFICKING

          HARRISBURG, November 1 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today continued her crusade to end gun violence by introducing legislation that would keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals.

          At a press conference today, Washington outlined a proposal (Senate Bill 1002) that would limit the number of handgun purchases by an individual by putting a 30-day waiting period on handgun purchases and sales in Pennsylvania.  She said this would ultimately limit the number of guns circulating on the streets. 

          “It is time we took a step toward reducing the senseless homicides and injuries caused by firearms,” Washington said.  “By putting an end to illegal handgun trafficking, we would be able to save lives.”

          Washington was joined at the press conference by Rep. John Myers (D-Phila.), who is sponsoring a similar bill in the House, Diane Edbril of CeaseFire PA and the PATH Coalition, Democratic members of the House and Senate, family members of victims of firearms, as well as organizations and advocates for gun control.

           Washington added that her legislation would not affect purchases of rifles and shotguns or prevent legitimate collectors from making multiple purchases.

          “This proposal targets those who deal in illegal firearms -- those who are perpetuating violence on the streets of Pennsylvania,” Washington said.

          Washington added that 81 percent of guns used in a crime in Pittsburgh and 76 percent in Philadelphia were originally purchased in Pennsylvania.

          “These numbers suggest that we are not doing enough to prevent handgun trafficking within our borders,” Washington said.

          Washington also noted that 76 percent of Pennsylvanians support limiting gun purchases to one-gun-a-month.