Posted: | February 20, 2018 04:32 PM |
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From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Legislation Providing for the Establishment of a Well Regulated Pennsylvania Militia |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will establish a well-regulated militia for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As the Constitution of the United States requires under the Second Amendment, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” It is clear now more than ever that the Commonwealth should establish such a militia and provide for its regulation as a matter of the public safety of all Pennsylvanians. Too many lives have been lost to inertia. Our Commonwealth has suffered multiple mass shootings and other forms of chronic gun violence, and we have grieved and prayed with our neighbors and loved ones across the country. The federal government has abstained from action, and it is within our legal power and duty to mitigate this catastrophic public health crisis. Indeed, we as state lawmakers have a moral obligation to act. This bill seeks to create an entity composed representatives from various state agencies and commissions to recommend: 1) How to establish a Pennsylvania Militia; 2) Amending firearm ownership licensing procedure to require Militia membership and concomitant obligations for designated classes of firearms. This body must meet regularly, hold public hearings, publish a final report and provide for a public comment period before said report is presented to the state legislature. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |