1Directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the
2issue of violence prevention, to establish an advisory
3committee to conduct a thorough and comprehensive analysis of
4the underlying causes of violent crime, including mass
5shootings, and to report to the Senate with its findings and
6recommendations.

7WHEREAS, The terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School
8in Connecticut and other mass shootings in recent years require
9additional review of the underlying causes of violent crime,
10including mass shootings, in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the
11nation; and

12WHEREAS, Violent crime affects all Pennsylvanians; and

13WHEREAS, There are common themes in many of these violent
14events which require us to examine our laws and procedures
15relating to violent crime; and

16WHEREAS, These common themes include mental illness and
17mental health treatment, keeping firearms out of the hands of
18criminals and the mentally ill, school security, bullying, gang-
19related activity, educational issues and cultural influences,

1including violent video games; and

2WHEREAS, In recent sessions, members of the General Assembly
3have recognized the need to address the issue of violent crime
4and have introduced numerous bills with that goal in mind; and

5WHEREAS, The Senate Judiciary Committee received
6recommendations relating to dealing with violent crime at
7hearings held across this Commonwealth; therefore be it

8RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Joint State Government
9Commission to establish an advisory committee of approximately
1025 members consisting of public officials and experts on the
11issue of violent crime, which is balanced so that it encompasses
12a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints; and be it further

13RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
14with the advisory committee, conduct a thorough and
15comprehensive analysis of violent crime, mass shootings, the
16issues set forth in this resolution and other related issues as
17determined by the commission; and be it further  

18RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, working
19with the advisory committee, study the proposals made to the
20Senate Judiciary Committee, review other proposals, including
21best practices that address the issue of violent crime, and,
22based on this study, develop recommendations best suited for
23Pennsylvania; and be it further

24RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission
25establish a process by which interested members of the public
26can make suggestions and have input; and be it further

27RESOLVED, That the final report include any recommendations
28to change mental health laws and procedures, to implement
29necessary changes in State statutes and practices, policies and
30procedures relating to violent crime, including measures to make

1our schools safer, and to develop awareness, education and other
2strategies to address issues relating to violent crime; and be
3it further

4RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
5report to the Senate with its findings and recommendations not
6later than December 31, 2013.