Violence in the Schools

Another school year is upon us, and the question that is on everyone's minds is whether or not the nation's children will have a safe, violence free school year. The events that closed last year's school term are still on everyone's minds; we all wonder if guns will play a part this year.

Recently, Handgun Control, Inc., (the nation's largest citizen's gun control lobbying organization, chaired by anti-gun activist Sarah Brady), issued grades to each of the fifty states based upon six types of legislation. They include the Carrying Concealed Weapons law, the Juvenile Handgun Possession law, the Juvenile Handgun Sale/ Transfer Prohibition law, the Child Access Prevention law, the "Local Rights" law or "Preemption", and the Secondary Sales Law.

Handgun Control Inc. evaluated each state for the existence and effectiveness of the five types of legislation that protect children from guns. States were also evaluated on the laws that limit secondary sales and/or regulate the gun shows at which many "private" transactions take place. The incident last spring in Littleton, Colorado demonstrated the ease with which guns purchased from private dealers can end up being used by a juvenile.

Examining the grades it is not hard to see why the nation is so uneasy. Although thirteen states received higher ratings than they had in 1998, twelve states received lower grades. This does not boost our confidence in gun safety. "At the time our children are heading back to school, states should be doing everything they can to make sure that this is not only a productive school year for them - but a safe one as well," states Sarah Brady, chair of Handgun Control, Inc., "we must ensure that the lessons of Littleton are not forgotten."

The six types of legislation
Carrying Concealed Weapons law
Whether or not individuals are allowed to carry loaded concealed guns, and if so, what training is required of them.

Juvenile Handgun Possession law
Whether or not it is illegal for an individual under the age of 18 to own a handgun.

Juvenile Handgun Sale/ Transfer Prohibition law
Whether or not it is illegal to sell or transfer a handgun to someone under the age of 18.

Child Access Prevention law
Whether or not adults are required to store their firearms responsibly and out of the reach of children, and are penalized for leaving guns accessible to children.

"Local Rights" law, or "Preemption"
Whether the state has made it illegal for its cities to enact stricter gun control laws than exist in the state in general.

Secondary Sales law
Whether the state regulates gun transactions between "private collectors" or individuals.

A sampling of the ratings
California - B+
Florida - C-
Illinois - B+
Louisiana - F
Michigan - C-
New York - B-
New Jersey - B
Pennsylvania - D+
Texas - D-
Virginia - C

"PA Given D+ For Child Safety Gun Laws."
The Herald.
29 Aug 1999. Sunday Ed: A-1,2.