[Brick]

On bills that PAFOA members should oppose are scheduled for, 19 September to discuss HB 21, HB 41,
and HB 1744.

ACSL says the following about them:

"Regarding HB 21: WE OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION

Many informed sources have told us that the Philadelphia bond system is out of step with the rest of the state and is in need of reform and is often inadequate to provide adequate incentive for those charged with violent crimes to return for trial.

However, HB 21 is flawed legislation. Real bail reform will get at violent criminals, not just people who possess firearms. This legislation singles out those who merely possess guns as part of the Philly politicians plan to scapegoat guns as cover for their failed criminal and social programs. It also mandates excessive bail for a person who has not committed a crime of violence and is likely to return, thus violating Article 1 sections 13 and 14.

Regarding HB 41: WE OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION

On its face, this seems is far less draconian than previous legislation of this type. However, it appears to create another Multi Jurisdictional Task Force targeting guns instead of criminals. Lyndon B. Johnson said: "You do not examine legislation in light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered."

We do not fear our friend AG Tom Corbett, but Tom Corbett will not always be the AG. In the hands of a demagogic prosecutor, this new Bureau would be monstrous.

Further, given the enormous political pressure that this governor seems to be exerting upon the State Police to cause them to lobby for the passage of a gun ban and to flagrantly misinterpret firearm laws in a manner that infringes upon the peaceful pursuits of honest citizens, we must oppose this legislation.

Regarding HB 1744 WE OPPOSE THIS LEGISLATION

The notice seems innocuous and I believe is already addressed or can be emphasized even more in the next revision of the PSP summary of gun laws that is mandated with the sale of each handgun (The next revision should mention Permanent Brady Alternative and perhaps the elimination of the PICS system so that Pennsylvania can save the money by using the free federal system as most states do). However, we have major problems with the language being struck on page 1 lines 16-19.

We are also concerned about the "study" commissioned on page 3 of the legislation. There have been plenty of hearings and studies already. Those who keep going after guns are barking up the wrong tree (as has been proved by the NAS and CDC and many other unbiased reviews that have eviscerated studies that purport to equate gun control with crime control). We see no reason to waste more taxpayer money to pay Harrisburg careerists to keep looking up the wrong tree."

HB 1536 is scheduled for a public hearing on 25 Sept. HB 1536 you might remember is one that would allow sale of a firearm to an individual ONLY if the individual attended a FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE accredited by the PSP Commissioner.

So with regards to all of these, please take a little time to send a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman:

Hon. Thomas R. Caltagirone
106 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202127
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2127

Voicing your (firm but polite) opposition to these proposed laws.