Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Moms Demand Action gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to show their support for the proposed Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill, sponsored by Representative Todd Stephens
Tuesday, September 17th 2019, 4:40 PM EDT by
It was the first day back in session for Pennsylvania House Representatives, and one activist group wasted no time calling on the Legislature to take action. Moms Demand Action gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to show their support for the proposed Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill, sponsored by Representative Todd Stephens (R- Montgomery).
“By advancing that Bill, we can save lives in Pennsylvania. They’ve studied it in Indiana, they’ve studied it in Connecticut, and it’s saving lives there. It’s time that we start saving lives in Pennsylvania,” Rep. Stephens explains.
House Bill 1075 would implement Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Pennsylvania. This would allow a judge to temporarily restrict someone from owning a gun if evidence shows they pose a violent risk, either to themselves or others. An ERPO would last no more than one year, and does not result in a criminal record. Advocates say this Bill would reduce suicide rates in Pennsylvania, especially among veterans.
“Every year, over 2,000 people in Pennsylvania commit suicide. Of those 2,000, half of them use a firearm, and 13% were Pennsylvania veterans. We must pass ERPO,” says Representative Melissa Shusterman (D- Chester, Montgomery).
Members of Moms Demand Action filled the Rotunda to raise awareness of the Bill in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. Heath Copeland is a member of Moms Demand Action, but he’s also a Veteran. He says this Bill would allow family members to stop a loved one in a temporary crisis from making a permanent decision.
“Our husbands, wives, children, and family members need us. Today, I am here to fight to give them a tool that can be used to save our lives,” Copeland says.
House Bill 1075 has a companion Bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Thomas Killion (R- Chester, Delaware). Both Bills are currently sitting in their respective Judiciary Committees.