Governor Wolf Pushes For Gun Reform

Protecting Our Kids Act was passed by the House Democrats, and in response, the Pennsylvania Governor is pushing for gun reform.

Governer Wolf commended the House for passing the Protecting Our Kids Act, which intends to reform our gun laws, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Pennsylvania Governor looks to the Senate to review the House bill.

“Americans have had enough gun violence-fueled tragedy and death, and I commend the House for pressing forward and passing this package of legislation,” said Governor Wolf. “Now, we all look to the U.S. Senate to stand up for Americans. We are all counting on you to vote.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety, the House proposed bill is now dependent on U.S. Senate to pass the package along with the following bills:

Title I, the Raise the Age Act, would raise the lawful age to purchase semi-automatic centerfire rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21 years. American citizens must be 21 years old when purchasing a handgun, but for semi-automatic rifles or shotguns, the age is only 18.
Title II, the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, establishes new federal offenses for gun trafficking. It addresses straw purchasers who purchase guns for those who cannot pass a background check like a convicted felon or minor.
Title III, the Untraceable Firearms Act, closes the ghost gun loophole by amending the definition of a “firearm” under federal law to include gun kits and partial receivers and changing the definition of “manufacturing firearms” to include assembling firearms using 3D printing technology.
Title IV, the Safe Storage Act, provides federal standards for safe gun storage on residential premises, giving states incentives to create and implement safe gun storage laws. It also imposes a penalty of up to five years in prison if a child or other ineligible resident accesses an unsecured firearm and causes injury or death.
Title V, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act, defines bump stocks and lists them under the National Firearms Act, so they become regulated like machine guns.
Title VI, the Keep Americans Safe Act, prohibits importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds of ammunition unless an individual falls under a particular exemption.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety, this legislation is similar to Governor Wolf’s top gun violence prevention priorities:

Creating red flag laws protecting those who are a potential danger to themselves or others.
Lost and stolen guns must be reported lost or stolen guns within 72 hours.
Closing loopholes and requiring background checks on all gun sales.
Required safe storage of firearms to keep guns out of the wrong hands to prevent accidental injury/death and suicides.

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”