In 2017, 993 Pennsylvanians committed suicide with a firearm. Of the 1636 firearms deaths across the Commonwealth in 2018, 61% were suicides, and the data shows that those living in rural Pennsylvania are most at risk. These mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings often exhibit signs or “red flags” that they are in crisis before taking their own lives.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) can save lives. Thirteen other states across the political spectrum have adopted Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to help address the gaps in existing laws that can prevent getting help to those in crisis and to save lives.
I’ve introduced legislation to allow a court to take precautions when provided with clear and convincing evidence a subject poses an extreme risk to themselves or others. If a court issues an ERPO prohibiting an individual from possessing firearms, that information would be promptly submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police to prevent the individual from purchasing firearms as well.
Under the bill, a court could immediately issue a temporary ERPO, but it must follow up with a full expedited hearing where the subject of the order may participate and offer evidence and testimony before a final order is issued. Final orders must be as short as safety allows but may not last more than one year.
Under this process, a district attorney could represent the petitioner, while a public defender could represent the respondent at the hearing for a final order.
More information on ERPO
House Bill 1075
Legislative Memo on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Extreme Risk Protection Orders FAQs
My Letter to House Leadership
Stephens Blueprint to Prevent Gun Violence
Stephens Releases and Columns on ERPO
Stephens Renews Call for Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Disarm Dangerous People in PA
Stephens Landmark Gun Bill Passes House Judiciary Committee
Gun Reform Groups and District Attorneys Endorse Stephens’ Extreme Risk Protective Order Bill
It’s Time to Take Action on #ERPOinPA
Stephens Bill Would Allow Families, DA to Seek Removal of Firearms from Individuals Posing an Extreme Risk
ERPO in the News
On guns, California wants to be a model for states. Should that matter to Pennsylvania?
Raise red flags to prevent gun violence
House lawmakers considering bill to disarm people who might cause harm
Pennsylvania lawmakers eye tougher firearms bills related to mental health and domestic violence
Montco Republican's Gun Bill Gains National Attention
Pa. bill would take guns from people deemed ‘extreme risk’
PA lawmakers introduce legislation in response to Parkland shooting
Mass shooting reignites lobbying fight over gun control in Harrisburg and Washington