MDA: Senate Bill 501 "domestic abusers must turn in guns" near vote.

[djpup]

Comments??

The #ProtectPAFamilies bill is finally on the move — yesterday it passed unanimously out of committee and now it is headed to the Pennsylvania State Senate for a vote.

Committee members did the right thing and stood by domestic violence survivors by sending this life-saving bill to the Senate for a vote. Now we need to make sure that our state senators know that we expect them to do the right thing, too, and vote for Senate Bill 501.

This next hurdle is critical: Use your power as a constituent! Your Senator is most influenced by the people who live in their district. THAT'S YOU.

Send a message to your Senator now: Protect domestic violence survivors by passing Senate Bill 501.

Send Your Message

Right this very minute volunteers are in Harrisburg walking the halls of the capitol to make sure state senators know that this life-saving bill is just common sense. Senate Bill 501 prohibits domestic abusers subject to a final protection from abuse order from possessing a gun and requires them to turn in the ones they already own.

We need to make sure this bill passes as soon as possible because domestic violence survivors who need protection from abusers armed with guns can't afford to wait any longer. This bill fights to protect women, families, and law enforcement officers who are at risk of being shot by an abuser armed with a gun.

Make sure your lawmaker hears from you: Tell them to pass Senate Bill 501 to protect the lives of domestic violence survivors.

Let's make this happen,

Deb Marteslo
Pennsylvania Chapter Leader
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7, for confidential assistance from a strained advocate.

[bogey1]

I don't know what it is, no link, but domestic abusers shouldn't have guns.
And they shouldn't have to forfeit them to the government if they did have them.

[Daycrawler]

This is another feel good law. When a man or women files a PFA and it is granted, guns are taken away from the person filed on. I don't see any benefit from this except warm and fuzzies. Of course MDA is always for any gun confiscation.

The last domestic homicide I worked on involved strangulation. Did the guy have a gun? Yup! He made it personal and choked the life out of her. Taking away every gun East of the Mississippi wouldn't have kept her alive. He was determined and used his hands.

[Mike_Golf]

Look like it will pass the PA Senate.

[djpup]

Passed 50-0

HARRIBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Senate has given its unanimous approval to a bill to force people with a domestic violence ruling against them to more quickly give up their firearms.

The Senate's 50-0 vote Wednesday sends the Bill 501 to the House.

Under the bill, people convicted of a domestic violence crime would have 48 hours to give up their firearms to a law enforcement agency, a federally licensed firearms dealer or their lawyer.

"From the time it comes into enforcement, it will definitely save lives of women and children at risk of domestic violence," said Berks County state Sen. Judy Schwank, a co-sponsor of the bill. "This bill will go a long way in our fight to keep men, women and children safe from domestic violence."

Under current law, people convicted of domestic violence have 60 days and can give their guns to a relative, friend or neighbor.

In addition, defendants in final protection-from-abuse cases would have to hand over their guns in 24 hours. Current law leaves forfeiture to a judge's discretion.

"Today marks tremendous progress for lifesaving legislation that will protect Pennsylvania families and law enforcement," said Deb Marteslo, volunteer leader with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "We applaud state senators for doing the right thing and passing this bipartisan bill unanimously."

Failing to hand over a firearm would be a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison.

The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

"No one should have to live in fear of an abuser with a gun," Marteslo said. "It's now up to the members of the Pennsylvania House to listen to the district attorneys, police chiefs, mayors, gun owners, and domestic violence survivors who all overwhelmingly support this crucial legislation that would protect Pennsylvania families."

If approved by the House, the bill would become law 180 days after being signed by Gov. Tom Wolf.

http://www.wfmz.com/news/berks/pa-se...ases/719273204

[GunLawyer001]

Would this apply to a woman who threw a lamp at her husband's head, for example? And if so, would she still get to keep her Secret Service detail?

[Qtrborecrazy]

Would this apply to a woman who threw a lamp at her husband's head, for example? And if so, would she still get to keep her Secret Service detail?

Senator Nick Miccarelli had his gun taken. I wonder how he feels about this bill.

[5711-Marine]

Senator Nick Miccarelli had his gun taken. I wonder how he feels about this bill.

Rep Miccarelli, and in his case the protection order was for something that allegedly happened in 2012. The part I find most concerning, is that someone can petition the court for a PFA over an incident that is approximately 6 years old. Seems ripe for abuse of the process.

[FBG001]

Turn in a firearm that was legally owned without compensation? Is there a constitutional issue there?

[FBG001]

Turn in a firearm that was legally owned without compensation? Is there a constitutional issue there?

To be clear, was referring to a law enforcement agency (i.e. the government). I assume the FFL would buy it from you or sell it for you. Not sure what your lawyer would do with it. Give it to one of your relatives?