Gov. Corbett signs Castle Doctrine into Law

Today, Governor Corbett signed into law Pennsylvannia’s “Castle Doctrine” bill. Helping protect Commonwealth residents from criminals and frivolous lawsuits.

Essentially this law:

a) affirms longstanding common law that one has a right to protect one’s self and loved ones from those seeking to harm them in their home.

b) recognizes that right also exists within one’s vehicle

c) reflects that it is not always safe to flee, and requiring an attempt to do so under unsafe conditions is unfair to Commonwealth residents.

d) protects a citizen who is cleared criminally of any negligence or crime from civil lawsuits.

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=15275

Castle Doctrine headed to the Governor’s Desk

Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine passes Senate and heads to Governor Corbett’s desk.

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6937

We expect this to be signed. This is where we see if our votes matter.

Tomorrow, please contact the governor’s office and urge his signing.

http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/contact/2998

PA Castle Doctrine clears Senate Judiciary Committee

“The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33) to expand the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania to protect gun owners who act in self-defense.”

More info…

Through the House and Into the Senate (Castle Doctrine)

It’s been a long struggle to see H.B. 40 freed from committee and brought up to vote. The bill was overwhelmingly supported, with a 159-38 vote.

We still have a lot of work to do. We now need the Senate to pass their version of the Castle Doctrine.  Then after that, the bill will have to go before the governor. Do we expect Mr. Rendell to do anything other than veto this bill?  So we are likely to find ourselves back into the House for a majority or awaiting a new more friendly governor  named Tom Corbett.

People talk about bi-partisanship, this is a bi-partisan issue!  Those votes include tremendous numbers of both Republicans and Democrats.  But I want to take issue with some partisan politics as presented by this article.

QUOTE: “Smith’s motion to “call the previous question” prevented amendments from being considered, and led immediately to a vote without debate. The rarely used procedural move drew complaints from Democrats.”

Clearly, that should be “from [some] Democrats” as many Democrats supported this bill. Second, I’ve seen so many rare procedural methods utilized by the Democrat Party over the years that frankly, I think this is merely calling the kettle black.

Now onto the most relevant quote of partisanship.

“Whether you’re for this or against it, there should be no fear in having a thorough discussion of the issues,” said Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne. “Using this motion as a way of silencing all debate is not healthy for the collision of differences in this commonwealth.”

Well let’s address Todd’s comment.  How much discussion of the issues would he like? How about 2 years of discussion. That’s far more than the few days we’ve gotten on numerous pieces of legislation and stimulus. I mean, Nancy Pelosi said we need to vote first than discuss later.

Todd, this bill has sat undiscussed in committees for over a year. If there is no fear of discussion. Then why was this bill held up for so long without being giving time of day – both in committee and on the floor?

This brings me to my final counter-point. There is much to be feared of discussion. When the discussion is not a dialog but merely a delaying tactic.

My I quote what may have been the worst Star Wars movie, but one of the most accurate quotes of all time…

“I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee!”

Sir, your postulation of discussion is well known to us to merely equate to finding a means to delay and prevent. So yes, there is much fear in discussion that you would simply find some technical or procedural reason to keep this bill from being voted into a reality.  The bill was created, it should get a vote. That’s how our system works.  The fact that we’ve layered onto that system a multitude of committees and procedures geared to aiding the massive political system is quite a tragedy in many regards. But members of that system, particularly a majority leader of such system. Should not try to BS his constituents with such hogwash statements.  We’re not stupid. We understand exactly what you are doing and saying.

And frankly, (give me  a moment to step off my 2nd Amendment Bandwagon and step onto my Tea Party podium). We’re sick of pretentious conniving politicians treating their constituents as if we’re stupid.  Keep doing so and you’ll be voted out sir, with the whole lot of them.

Rep. Eugene DePasquale on Castle Doctrine

PA Representative Eugene A. DePasquale hosted another online townhall meeting. In which one can field questions via the web

I asked Representative DePasquale about his stance on a castle doctrine style bill that would eliminate the threat of civil lawsuit in cases of justifiable defense as well as extend protection to one’s vehicle.

The following is an approx. paraphrase of Representative Eugene A. DePasquale in regards to his support of the castle doctrine. (Couldn’t type fast enough to get it word for word. If I can get a copy of the video I will edit the statement.)

“I will support such legislation…

It is one thing about the duty to retreat in a public place…but when someone is in their home – it is very difficult to expect them (we are not talking about trained law enforcement) to make a determination of threat level when someone has entered their home.

Someone can rationally believe that they are threatened when someone is rustling about downstairs in their home in the middle of the night.”

I am glad that Rep. DePasquale is aware of the intensity and stress involved in such a situation.  Recognizing that a common citizen is not able to train to the level of law enforcement, and cannot be expected to make a determination as to whether their skill allows them to subdue the perpetrator in a non-lethal manner. Something a police officer is trained to do.

I also inquired about his support for a revamping of Pennsylvania’s present beer laws which are quite archaic and asinine.  To which he expressed that Pennsylvania does need to address the situation and see some sort of reform. Though he did not seem completely clear as to what that reform should be.

For those unaware, trying to acquire a six-pack of you favorite craft beer in Pennsylvania can sometimes be as daunting as buying a firearm in Massachussets.

“It’s possible. It’s just a royal pain in the arse. And your selection is likely to be poor.”

Castle Doctrine Hearing Thursday November 19th

Castle Doctrine” Self-Defense Bill to be Considered Next Week! On Thursday, November 19, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will consider House Bill 40.  HB40, sponsored by State Representative Scott Perry (R-92), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be.  It is clearly stated that there would be no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family.  HB40 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.  If you would like to testify, please contact the House Judiciary Committee at (717) 787-3525.

On Thursday, November 19, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will consider House Bill 40.

HB40, sponsored by State Representative Scott Perry (R-92), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be.  It is clearly stated that there would be no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family.  HB40 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.

If you would like to testify, please contact the House Judiciary Committee at (717) 787-3525.

Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB40. Contact information can be found below.

State Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone (D-127)
(717) 787-3525

State Representative Deberah Kula (D-52)
(717) 772-1858

State Representative Kathy Manderino (D-194)
(717) 787-1254

State Representative John E. Pallone (D-54)
(717) 783-1819

State Representative Don Walko (D-20)
(717) 787-5470

State Representative Joseph F. Brennan (D-133)
(717) 772-9902

State Representative James E. Casorio Jr. (D-56)
(717) 783-3483

State Representative Paul J. Drucker (D-157)
(717) 705-2003

State Representative Bryan R. Lentz (D-161)
(717) 787-8574

State Representative Joseph A. Petrarca (D-55)
(717) 787-5142

State Representative Josh Shapiro (D-153)
(717) 783-7619

State Representative Greg Vitali (D-166)
(717) 787-7647

State Representative Chelsa Wagner (D-22)
(717) 783-1582

State Representative Ronald G. Waters (D-191)
(717) 772-9850

State Representative Jesse White (D-46)
(717) 783-6437

State Representative Ron Marsico (R-105)
(717) 783-2014

State Representative Mike Vereb (R-150)
(717) 705-7164

State Representative Tom C. Creighton (R-37)
(717) 772-5290

State Representative Will Gabig (R-199)
(717) 772-2280

State Representative Richard R. Stevenson (R-8)
(717) 783-6438

State Representative Glen R. Grell (R-87)
(717) 783-2063

State Representative Kate Harper (R-61)
(717) 787-2801

State Representative Tim Krieger (R-57)
(717) 260-6146

State Representative Bernie O’Neill (R-29)
(717) 705-7170

State Representative Todd Rock (R-90)
(717) 783-5218

State Representative Katie True (R-41)
(717) 705-7161

PA Castle Doctrine Bill in Judiciary Committee

One of the big announcements at the 2nd Amendment Rally was a push for a Pennsylvanian “Castle Doctrine” law.

State Senator Richard Alloway (R-33) has introduced critical self-defense reform legislation (Senate Bill 842) to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Pennsylvania.  This Castle Doctrine self-defense bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.SB842 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be.  It is clearly stated that there would be no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family.  SB842 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0842&pn=0988

Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support SB842.  Contact information for the committee can be found here.

H/T to NRA-ILA for links.