Politics & Government

Gun-Toting Felons Could Do More Jail Time

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Todd Stephens to address gun violence has cleared the House.

Convicted felons who illegally possess guns could be required to serve a five-year minimum sentence without parole or probation under a bill which now makes its way to the Senate.

Sponsored by (R-151) of Horsham, House Bill 2331 passed the House last week by a vote of 190-7. impose a five-year minimum sentence without early release for felons caught possessing firearms, and it would define the crime as a "crime of violence" triggering Pennsylvania's three strikes law, which mandates a 10-year sentence for a second offense and 25 years for a third offense.

Currently, there is no mandatory minimum sentence.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For Stephens, who prior to being elected served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, this is a problem. 

"It seemed ridiculous to me we should have to have a special program to use the federal penalties for gun crimes because Pennsylvania's are so inadequate," said Stephens in an email to Patch.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If affirmed by the Senate, the bill would become law within 60 days.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here