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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Bill
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State Rep. Angel Cruz |
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Cruz introduces narrower version of gun bill
New bill would create pilot program in Philadelphia only
HARRISBURG, June 25 -- State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., has amended and reintroduced legislation that would create a gun registry system limited to Philadelphia with the goal of stemming the tide of gun violence in the city.
Cruz said the original bill (H.B. 760), which he introduced earlier this year, would have established a statewide gun registry system similar to the system used by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for registering vehicles. The new bill would create the registry program as a pilot project only in Philadelphia.
“Gun violence is an epidemic in Philadelphia and we need to establish strict and strong policies that will stem the tide of violence in our communities,” Cruz said. “If we could establish a significant gun registry system for the city, we could track illegal guns and discourage people from selling them for illegal purposes.”
More specifically, Cruz said his amended bill, introduced as H.B. 1633, would require the owner of a gun to provide a signature and have it notarized showing his intent to sell the gun. The buyer would take possession of the firearm and the title and have his name placed on the document. The registration requirements would apply only to guns bought and sold in Philadelphia. Cruz said police and law enforcement in Philadelphia would have access to the records and could track missing or stolen weapons.
For more information regarding this legislation, or other issues important to you and your community, please contact Cruz’s constituent service office at 215-291-5643, or visit his Web site at www.pahouse.com/cruz.
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