Posted: | February 14, 2013 09:16 AM |
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From: | Senator Michael J. Stack |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Closing of the Gun Show Loophole |
In the near future I will be introducing legislation to address the dangerous 'gun show loophole' in Pennsylvania. This bill will look to close a loophole that allows gun purchasers in a number of circumstances to avoid background checks, including person-to-person private transfers between non-licensed vendors and collectors. Require comprehensive background checks on all sales of guns or ammunition: close loopholes that allow for the sale of long-guns by private sellers without background checks. The “Gun Show Loophole” is a gap in federal law that allows private citizens, who are not licensed firearms dealers, to sell guns without conducting background checks or keeping records. These “private sellers” often sell guns at the thousands of gun shows that take place every weekend across the country. But, private sales of guns also take place daily between individuals as people sell guns to family members, friends and strangers without any requirement that the purchaser undergo a background check.
This bill would change that, by making the first violation a one-year suspension of their sale license and keep the second violation as a full revocation. Violators will not longer get a 'free pass' of no penalty for their first offense. This legislation is not about taking away guns from responsible gun owners, nor is it looking to infringe on 2nd Amendment rights. It is making it clear in Pennsylvania that thorough background checks will be completed in ALL gun sales - including gun shows. If you have any additional questions on this legislation, please contact my office. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as SB736