Parents Will Pay For Youth Gun Crimes Under PA Bill

PENNSYLVANIA — Two gun safety bills aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of children and teenagers passed a Pennsylvania House committee on Tuesday.

Republicans objected to the measures, saying they would punish law-abiding gun owners instead of focusing on existing measures to prosecute perpetrators of gun violence.

“I can support no further gun control and punitive measures against my law-abiding gun owners when laws are not being enforced,” said Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), as quoted in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

One bill (HB 1629) requires the secure storage of firearms in homes with children, and another (HB 941) would create penalties for parents and guardians who allow certain minors to possess or use a firearm.

"Firearm owners are too rarely held accountable for permitting children to access firearms in situations where the child then uses the firearm to commit a crime," said Rep. Darisha K. Parker (D-Philadelphia), who sponsored the measure holding parents and guardians responsible if minors commit criminal or negligent actions with a firearm.

The Republican-controlled state Senate has not considered either bill. State Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), chair of the chamber’s Judiciary Committee, said she has "no plans to advance the bills" in a statement to Spotlight PA.