New to the art form? This Wall Street Journal article will get you orientated. Also, for more information on how some of these titles mislead lawmakers and the citizenry, find some academic commentary from Brian Christopher Jones here: https://works.bepress.com/brian_jones/.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Personalized Gun Control Measure Proposed

Rep. Bobby Rush (D., IL) has introduced the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013. Hadiya and Nyasia were two tragic victims of recent gun violence in Chicago and Brooklyn. Today, Michelle Obama became emotional when talking about Hadiya, noting "Hadiya Pendleton was me, and I was her."

Additionally, the bill is noteworthy in the fact that it's short title (currently standing at 14 words) is longer than it's long title (currently 10 words). Partial press release below. 

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RUSH INTRODUCES THE HADIYA PENDLETON AND NYSASIA PRYEAR-YARD STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS ACT OF 2013

Mar 19, 2013 Issues: Community News, Public Safety

CONTACT: Debra Johnson
(202) 679-0381
Debra.Johnson@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush introduced the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013 to limit straw purchases of firearms and reduce illegal trafficking of firearms across state lines. A key focus of the bill is targeted at anti-straw purchasing and firearms trafficking by individuals known as “straw purchasers” who play key roles in most firearms trafficking operations.

“Equipping federal law enforcement officials with the legislative authority to halt illegal tracking of firearms is an appropriate and sensible action for Congress to take,” said Rush. “Selfish individuals who scam and work around existing checks and controls in the system put our communities at risk through their selfish greed and lack of forethought for others whom they place in harm’s way.”

Under current law, there is no criminal statute illegalizing straw purchasing or firearms trafficking. This bill would make it a federal crime to purchase a gun from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) for, on behalf of, or at the request or demand of any other person. For purchases made from a private seller, this new section would make it a crime to purchase a gun for, on behalf of, or at the request of someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm (e.g. a convicted felon or someone adjudicated as mentally ill). The maximum sentence for this offense would be 15 years imprisonment or 25 years imprisonment if the defendant knew or had reasonable cause to believe that any firearm involved would be used to commit a crime of violence. It is important to note that anyone purchasing a firearm from an FFL must already sign a Form 4473 stating that he or she is the “actual buyer” of the firearm. ...

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