WASHINGTON TO CO-SPONSOR PROTECTION FROM ABUSE

          HARRISBURG, June 21 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today announced that she will co-sponsor legislation that would take guns away from those who commit domestic violence.

          “Domestic violence is an ugly reality in our communities, a reality that I am dedicated to fighting,” Washington said. “The changes proposed in this legislation would strengthen the PFA (Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse) Act by increasing victim protection while preserving the rights of law abiding gun-owners.”   

          Some of the proposed changes include:

• Requiring all PFA defendants to relinquish all of their firearms for the duration of a PFA order, rather than just the firearm that was used to threaten the victim;

• Setting a process whereby PFA defendants would relinquish their firearms, including a timeline, storage, and notification of failure to relinquish;

• Increasing the possible duration of a PFA order from 18 months to three years and ensuring that sheriffs may serve and enforce PFA orders;

• Ensuring that defendants convicted of domestic violence are subject to federal gun prohibitions; and

• Providing a procedure for the return of firearms and other weapons once the PFA expires.

          “Domestic violence and guns are a deadly combination,” Washington said. “Studies show that over half of all family murders are caused by firearms.

          “With these amendments, we can do our part to deter the use of firearms in deadly domestic violence incidents.”

          Washington added that the legislation would also give the Attorney General the ability to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states on firearm carry permits, as well as require a uniform firearm carry permit to be utilized throughout Pennsylvania.