October 8, 2010
	This publication is your opportunity to receive regular updates on the work and the issues that I have been involved with, both in Harrisburg and throughout our community. Please visit my Web site, www.senatorhughes.com, where you will find a comprehensive overview of our work, various phone numbers and contact information to assist you in solving problems, opportunities to volunteer and assist us in our programs and opportunities to give your feedback.

Senate Receives “Castle Doctrine” Bill

Earlier this week, the state House of Representatives passed House Bill 40, which would significantly expand the “Castle Doctrine.” This bill would give individuals the right to use deadly force to protect their life, family or house against a threatening intruder.

House Bill 40 will spur spirited debate. Those in favor of the ‘Castle Doctrine’ believe that the personal protection zone should be expanded and that all means necessary should be able to be used. On the other side of the coin, opponents believe this legislation could actually step up legally-allowable gun violence.

Under current law, homeowners can use a deadly weapon to defend themselves against an intruder while in their living room, dining room, den, kitchen, basement or other area within the house. In other areas, such as a garage, porch, driveway, yard or vehicle, the homeowner must first attempt to retreat from the intruder before legally using their weapon to protect themselves. This bill would remove the “retreat” provision from the law and protect people from being charged in many home defense scenarios that result in injury or death.

Goods For Guns Another gun control program that I have been involved with is the ‘Goods for Guns’ program. Designed to keep guns off of Philadelphia streets, this program has been responsible for recovering more than 4,000 guns since its inception. Citizens that drop off a gun receive a $100 food voucher from ShopRite. All firearms are accepted at the turn-ins and no questions are asked about the guns. Once the guns are turned in, they are logged and melted down. If a gun was found out to have played a part in a crime it will be fully investigated.

While this bill is intended to expand a homeowner’s ability to protect himself in his home, I believe that this could also lead, in certain circumstances, to vigilante justice. That’s why many law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and others oppose this measure. I also believe a full discussion of the expansion of this doctrine should include gun control.

There are 31 states that have varying versions of a ‘Castle Doctrine.’ In New York, deadly force is justified to prevent burglary or arson of your home; while in New Jersey a person is required to retreat outside of a home if they can remain completely safe to avoid the use of deadly force.

Over the past years, I have supported efforts to adopt stricter gun laws to keep guns off the streets. I support Sen. LeAnna Washington’s efforts to institute a one gun-per-month law and Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s initiative to require gun owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 24 hours and require registration of all guns sold or transferred in Philadelphia.

I am prepared to work with my colleagues in the Senate to provide sensible, well-supported ideas as amendments to the bill passed out of the House.

Too often we open the newspaper and see another senseless crime committed or another innocent life lost by way of gunfire. We need to continue to work towards strengthening our gun control laws to save lives and improve public safety. I encourage you to pay attention to this issue as it works its way through the Capitol and if you feel strongly about it make sure your voice is heard.

Useful Numbers

Gun Safe Philadelphia Tip Line: 215-546-8477

Philly Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-723-3014

Citizen's Crime Commission:  215-546-6532

Operation Safe Streets: 215-685-1138

Drug Tip Line: 215-686-DRUG

GRIPP Guns Tip Line: 215-683-GUNS

Philly Police Department: 215-686-1776 or 215-686-3053

www.senatorhughes.com