Sep. 28, 2021
HARRISBURG – A bill to close a legal loophole and keep firearms from being carried by convicted felons passed the House Judiciary Committee today, according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. John Hershey (Mifflin/Juniata/Franklin).
Hershey said he wants to support gun ownership for law-abiding citizens and restrict access to firearms for those convicted by a judge or jury.
House Bill 1564 would address convictions of “attempting, conspiring or soliciting” felonies like criminal homicide and robbery. Currently, someone convicted of a serious crime is statutorily barred from possessing a firearm, but those convicted of attempting, conspiring or soliciting those same crimes cannot be prosecuted for carrying a firearm.
The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association supports House Bill 1564.
“I’m thankful my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee saw the value in this reasonable measure to add attempt, conspiracy to commit and solicitation to the list of crimes that prohibit a person from possessing a firearm. It would allow people who carry a gun after their conviction to be prosecuted for doing so,” Hershey said. “House Bill 1564 is a step to ensure guns can be carried by those who follow the law and take the responsibility seriously.”
House Bill 1564 will go to the full House for its consideration.
Representative John Hershey
82nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepHershey.com /
Facebook.com/RepHershey