Pennsylvania is about to become a little bit safer for victims of domestic abuse.
The state Senate yesterday passed a package of bills that will get guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers - and they have the fingerprints of two Delco legislators all over them.
Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, pushed a measure that would require those convicted of domestic abuse or who have a final protection from abuse decree filed against them to surrender any firearms within 24 hours. Right now they have 60 days to do so. Also, and very importantly, they will no longer be able to simply give their weapons to a friend or relative. They must be surrendered to law enforcement or a licensed gun dealer. Too often under current law suspects are able to get their hands on their guns - with deadly results.
Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, pushed language that would allow victims of abuse to ask for an extension of a PFA if the abuser has been incarcerated within the past 90 days.
"Victims of domestic abuse have been living in fear of gun violence for far too long," Killion said. "This legislation will get guns out of the hands of abusers. It will protect women."
McGarrigle noted the ongoing nature of the fight against domestic abuse.
"It's a process, and a sometimes imperfect one," the senator said. "When we can identify a way to reduce the potential for this violence, and do so within the parameters of the Constitution, I believe we should do so."
Kudos to both these Delco legislators. As you might have guess, gun groups and Second Amendment activists are not exactly thrilled by any kind of legislation that targets gun rights.
But this was the right thing to do.
You can read the story here.
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