PA Bill Number: HB1472
Title: In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late contributions ...
Description: In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late contrib ...
Last Action: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT
Last Action Date: Apr 22, 2024
Problems with SB 383 - Arming Teachers Legislation
Date: 06/28/2017
We strongly support giving teachers the Choice AND Right to be armed to defend themselves! Twenty-four states now allow teachers and staff to carry, though the rules vary across states. Alabama, Utah, New Hampshire, and parts of Oregon leave it up to the teachers and staff to carry. For example, in neighboring Ohio, at least 40 school districts allow teachers to carry.
However there are significant issues with SB 383 regarding the requirement for a teacher to disclose, and provide proof, of possession of a License to Carry Firearms. In 1995 access to License To Carry Firearm information was made confidential due to concerns that disclosure could put citizens at risk. These concerns have been borne out in other states that do not have these controls. Security of this information, and accountability for its' release is 'not' an insignificant concern!
Yesterday in the PA Senate, Senator Street added an amendment that teachers who wish to carry would be required to be psychologically evaluated! This raises a host of issues not the least of which is the anti-gun mantra of requiring psychological testing to even 'own' a firearm.
Certain aspects of this legislation is deeply troubling and we cannot support it at this time. SB 383 is up for final (3rd) consideration today and the PA Senate convenes at 1 p.m. Please keep in mind that Senator White is a 'very good' Senator and I don't think that he has been made aware of all of these concerns properly!!
