PA Gov. Calls For 2 Changes To State Gun Laws

Governor Tom Wolf is calling for changes to how guns in Pennsylvania are purchased, and who can purchase them.

Wolf, in a press conference Monday, joined the acting State Police commissioner to urge lawmakers to pass a bill that would mandate universal background checks on all guns purchased in Pennsylvania. Currently, there is a background check exception for certain firearms sold by private parties, including at gun shows.

"This is going to make our society safer," Wolf said during the press conference (see full video below).

Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick, the acting State Police commissioner, explained that firearms transactions between two private parties do not currently require a background check for certain long guns, such as shotguns, sporting rifles and semi-automatic rifles.

"The Pennsylvania State Police encourages closing this void in the current law and requests that all firearm purchases and or transfer of ownership require a universal background check," Evanchick said.

Wolf said all who wish to buy a gun in Pennsylvania should go through the "reasonable, convenient" background check system established by the State Police, "so we can keep powerful weapons out of the hands of those who pose a danger to our citizens."

The governor is also calling on the House to quickly pass Senate Bill 501, which prohibits those with protection from abuse orders against them from owning or possessing guns. The bill was recently passed by the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Thomas Killion, requires that a defendant with a protection from abuse order relinquish all firearms and ammunition. The bill is part of a package of laws aimed to protect abuse victims.

"The State House should not wait one unnecessary minute to act on this bipartisan, commonsense legislative package to protect victims and reduce violence, so I can sign them into law," Wolf said.

You can see the full announcement here:

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