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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jake Wheatley |
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Wheatley working to reduce violence in Pittsburgh, across Pa.
HARRISBURG, March 19 – State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Pittsburgh, today participated in a news conference on anti-crime legislation as part of his continuing effort to reduce violence in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.
Today's event focused on a package of several anti-crime bills that are expected to be introduced soon. Wheatley will introduce one of the bills, which would promote training for Pennsylvania-licensed doctors and nurses in how to recognize possible signs of domestic violence and how to help the victims.
Wheatley also took part in a rally earlier this week at the state Capitol to build support for legislation to require reporting of lost or stolen firearms. Wheatley and other legislators supporting the legislation were encouraged by activists and busloads of concerned residents brought to the Capitol by Ceasefire PA.
"I am continuing to work to reduce all forms of violence – whether it is gun crime or domestic violence, we cannot be satisfied with the current situation. All Pennsylvanians deserve safe neighborhoods," Wheatley said.
Under the gun legislation promoted at the rally, the Pennsylvania State Police would develop and maintain a list of firearms reported lost or stolen and include identifying information relating to the firearm, such as the name of the lawful owner.
The legislation would require any lost or stolen firearm to be reported within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss or theft. Local law enforcement officials who received a report of a lost or stolen firearm would have to forward a copy of the report to the sheriff of the county where the weapon's owner lives. Any person who violated the 24-hour reporting rule could be banned from purchasing or acquiring a firearm for six months.
Currently, a person can get a stolen or misplaced gun and use it in a crime and there is no established method of tracking that gun, Wheatley said.
He emphasized that the bill does nothing to keep people from purchasing firearms lawfully and would not subject them to further registration.
Wheatley represents the 19th District, which includes part or all of these neighborhoods: the Hill District, North Side, South Side, Allentown, Hazelwood, Downtown, the Bluff, Knoxville, Beltzhoover, Manchester, Arlington, Arlington Heights, and West, South and North Oakland.
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