Gov. Wolf Responds To Newtown Twp's Gun Safety Resolution

A gun safety resolution passed in June by the Newtown Township Supervisors has gained the attention of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, who recently sent the board a letter commending their action on the issue.

The resolution, which passed on June 13 by a 4 to 1 vote, says the township believes additional gun safety laws are needed to protect the safety of its residents. It further urged the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the United States Congress to enact laws to reduce gun violence.

"I am always impressed and humbled by the dedication shown by local leaders like you," Wolf said in the letter dated July 17. He said communities need to work together to reduce violence. "Please be assured that I will keep your suggestions in mind when reviewing legislation this matter," the letter continued.

RELATED: Newtown Twp Passes Resolution In Support Of Gun Safety Measures

The specific gun safety laws the township supports as outlined in the resolution include:

• Preventing known and suspected terrorists, those convicted of violent hate crimes and those with a history of domestic abuse from legally buying guns.
• Ensuring that background checks are required on all gun sales, including online and at gun shows. In Pennsylvania, preserve the provisions of the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) which provides instant access to background records.
• Funding research into the effects of gun violence and gun safety technology.
• Requiring trigger locks on all firearms in homes where children are present.
• Requiring that lost or stolen firearms be reported to law enforcement with 72 hours of the discovery of loss or theft.
• Banning access to bump-stocks.
• Banning access to assault-style rifles.
• Reducing the number of permissible cartridges in a clip or magazine.
• Allowing courts to issue firearm restraining orders, prohibiting any named person from having in his custody or control, purchasing, possessing or receiving any firearm of ammunition, and making any such firearm restraining orders mandatory in conjunction with any protection from abuse order.

In his letter, Wolf said "gun violence is not a singular issue." He added that he has called on the local leaders in Congress to take action on gun safety legislation, including banning military-style weapons and "dangerous accessories like bump stocks."

In addition to the governor, the resolution was distributed to President Donald Trump, senators Robert Casey and Patrick Toomey, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, State Senator Charles McIlhinney, and State Representative Perry Warren.

Republican Supervisor Kyle Davis was the sole board member who did not vote in favor of the resolution. He said it was "too vague" and challenged the validity of several of its goals.

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