The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania believes that the proliferation of handguns and semiautomatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens, in particular children. Firearms are the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens.

For years, we have advocated for the passage of commonsense gun laws that protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians. On May 22, 2023, we were thrilled by the historic passage of two lifesaving gun safety bills with bipartisan support. House Bill 1018 would create a process by which firearms could be removed from at-risk individuals, a policy proven to prevent suicides, shootings and domestic violence shooting incidents. In addition, House Bill 714 would provide for increased background checks when purchasing firearms in Pennsylvania.

Despite the passage of these bills over six months ago, they are now stuck in the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee with no sign of movement. The league views this lack of action on the part of our legislators as unacceptable, especially since public opinion polling shows that Pennsylvania voters broadly support both extreme risk protection orders and universal background check laws. Furthermore, the bills passed in the House with broad bipartisan support and deserve careful and full consideration by the Senate.

The league supports the passage of these bills and calls on members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to take immediate action.

Susan Boser

Harrisburg

The writer is social policy director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)