Pennsylvania

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Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
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FAMM releases statement following Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee vote on new gun mandatory minimums

HARRISBURG – FAMM Vice President of Policy Molly Gill released the following statement following the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee vote on two bills that would introduce new mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes:

“Mandatory minimums are proven to accomplish one thing: letting those who vote for them crow about being ‘tough on crime,’” Gill said. “What they don’t do — proven repeatedly over years of studies — is reduce, deter or prevent gun possession or use.

“Unless producing absurd, unjust and expensive prison sentences without increasing in public safety is the goal, these mandatory minimums are the wrong idea for Pennsylvania.”

Previously, Gill sent a letter to the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee urging members to vote against the two bills that would introduce new mandatory minimums for gun crimes.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.