Each year, numerous guns are trafficked throughout the United States via the Iron Pipeline, a system of states with weak gun laws that allow individuals to obtain firearms via illegal means, like straw purchases.  Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is part of this system and notorious for being a supplier state for illegally trafficked firearms.  In a report prepared by the New York Office of Attorney General, our state provided 13 percent of the trafficked guns found in New York, only slightly behind Virginia’s 15 percent. In addition to this, we were the top supplier state for Delaware and New Jersey in 2020.
 
We cannot deny our involvement with the Iron Pipeline any longer.  My legislation aims to address our place in this system by placing a limit on purchases of handguns in Pennsylvania, allowing one handgun per person within any 30-day period.  Exceptions would be made for licensed firearm dealers, licensed collectors, law enforcement and correctional facilities, licensed private security companies, antique firearms, and stolen firearms.  In addition, it would create a pathway for citizens to earn advance permission to purchase more than one gun during the 30-day period.  Fines or fees from violators would be deposited into the Violence Prevention Fund and be used for police grants to prevent gun-related injuries.
 
We must accept that we have a responsibility to help end the illegal firearm trafficking taking place in Pennsylvania and our sister states.  I ask that you please join me in taking the first step to prevent more reckless gun trafficking – we cannot continue to allow Pennsylvania guns to put at risk the lives of men, women, and children across the nation.