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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |
State Rep. John Myers |
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Myers says upgrade of instant background check system will help track illegal guns
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 -- State Rep.
John Myers, D-Phila., said an upgrade of Pennsylvania’s instant background
check system for gun purchasers scheduled to take place next month will ensure
that law enforcement will be better able to track the purchase history of
firearms that end up on the streets illegally.
Legislation introduced by Myers that requires police to trace the source of firearms illegally obtained by minors was signed into law in Pennsylvania in July. Myers said the upgrade to the state’s instant background check system will allow law enforcement to utilize the new law to get more illegal guns off the street.
The Pennsylvania State Police announced recently that the instant background check system will be shut down Sept. 2-6 to allow for the upgrades. During that time, Pennsylvania residents will not be able to purchase firearms.
“This is a temporary inconvenience for sportsmen and gun retailers, I know, but this upgrade is necessary and long overdue,” Myers said. “I am glad that the state police recognize the importance of getting this upgrade completed as soon as possible.
“My new gun law takes effect mid-September and I will continue to watch closely and look for results,” he said. “I believe the upgrade to the instant background check system, along with my legislation, will help keep many guns off the streets and help police track down people who sell these guns to minors illegally.”
The new law contains Myers’ language that requires police to trace the source of firearms illegally possessed by anyone under 21 years old, to determine the source of the weapons and to counter their illegal sale.
Myers added: “I think the passage of my legislation and my advocacy on this issue has inspired our state to move forward more aggressively on making sure the backgrounds of gun purchasers are more carefully scrutinized and that the guns they purchase are not going to eventually end up in the wrong hands.”
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