Senate OKs bills to attack domestic violence
the ability to hand the firearms over to a third party such as a relative or neighbor. Defendants in final protection-from-abuse cases would also have to hand over their guns within 24 hours.
“Today’s action by the Senate is an important step in providing much-needed protections for victims of domestic violence,” said Killion in a release. “My legislation will keep guns out of the hands of abusers. It will save lives.”
The Senate also approved SB 502, sponsored by McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, which would extend any existing PFA order by 90 days after the defendant has been released from incarceration. The victim would not be required to show that the defendant engaged in a new threatening act for the extension to kick in.
“Domestic violence sidetracks victims from pursuing fulfilling, productive lives,” said McGarrigle. “It creates disastrous role models for children who witness it – giving children a twisted lesson on how adults are expected to behave, and what victims are expected to endure. These efforts will help put an end to domestic violence in Pennsylvania.”
Both bills were passed unanimously and now head to the state House.
Additional measures passed Wednesday that were co-sponsored by Killion and McGarrigle include Senate Bill 1011, known as Marsy’s Law, which amends the state Constitution to create a victims “Bill of Rights” requiring courts to consider the safety of victims and families when setting bail and release conditions.
Senate Bill 449, also known as Tierne’s Law, allows judges to use risk assessment tools when setting bail in domestic violence cases.
Senate Bill 500 allows for a law enforcement official to accompany a victim to his or her residence before or during the service of a PFA order.
Senate Bill 313 makes it easier for domestic violence victims to remove the name of an abuser from a shared telephone plan.
Senate Bill 919 allows domestic violence victims who live in public housing to be relocated to another unit.
The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, applauded the passage of Killion’s bill in a release.
“Today marks tremendous progress for lifesaving legislation that will protect Pennsylvania families and law enforcement,” said Pennsylvania Chapter Leader Deb Marteslo. “No one should have to live in fear of an abuser with a gun. It’s now up to the members of the Pennsylvania House to listen to the district attorneys, police chiefs, mayors, gun owners, and domestic violence survivors who all overwhelmingly support this crucial legislation that would protect Pennsylvania families.”