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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |
State Rep. Flo Fabrizio |
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Fabrizio joins NW Democrats in opposing firearm registration measure
HARRISBURG, April 11 The 12-member House Northwest Democratic Caucus today voiced its unanimous opposition to a bill that would require annual registration and fees for virtually all firearms in Pennsylvania.
The legislation, House Bill 760, unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and the Second Amendment rights of all citizens, said a statement by the caucus, which represents all or portions of 11 counties. It is highly offensive to typecast all gun owners as potential criminals and subject them to over-reaching, police-state regulations.
No caucus member will rest until this misguided measure is extinguished, the statement said. However, we will work with anyone, anywhere to craft commonsense solutions that attack gun-violence problems and not innocent gun owners.
The state representatives noted that two of the six original sponsors have withdrawn their support for the bill, which has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 760 would:
o Require registration costing Pennsylvania gun owners $10 a year for each gun they own.
o Require legal gun owners to be fingerprinted, photographed and to submit to criminal background checks.
o Require possession of registration cards when carrying a firearm.
o Require registration cards to be shown to police upon demand.
o Enable police to confiscate any firearm whose registration was denied.
Members of the House Northwest Democratic Caucus are: Camille Bud George, Clearfield County, chairman; Chris Sainato, New Castle, vice-chairman; Rep. Florindo Flo Fabrizio, Erie, secretary; John Hornaman, Erie, treasurer; Scott Conklin, Centre County; Jaret Gibbons, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties; Gary Haluska, Cambria County; Michael Hanna, Lycoming and Centre counties; Patrick Harkins, Erie County; Mark Longietti, Mercer County; and Dan Surra, Elk and Clearfield counties. Rep. Keith McCall, Carbon and Luzerne counties, is the Democratic whip and ex-officio member of the caucus.
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