Reviews and Views

H.R. 127

This site is about stating my views on certain subjects or on books that I have read and to conduct reviews of other matters. Today might seem to be a different trail that I’m following. You might ask why should I care about what Congress does and what this particular bill might be of concern to anyone. Just remember that the infringement or eroding of one right or freedom in our Constitution can evidently erode others. Congress should practice “do no harm” when considering bills.

This bill is cited as the “Sabina Sheikh Firearms Licensing and Registration Act” is a House Bill that is currently in the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration and modification. The sponsor is Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee from the 18th District of Texas. In summary, this bill provides for the licensing of firearms and ammunition possession and the registration of firearms and to prohibit the possession of certain ammunition.

Who is Sabina Sheikh that this bill names in its title? Sabina was a foreign-exchange student from Pakistani. She was 17-years old. Back in 2018, she and 9 other students and staff were killed in a mass shooting at a high school around the Houston area. There were another 13 persons wounded. The shooter is Dimitrios Pagourtz is who was also 17-years old at the time of the shooting. He was found to be incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a state mental health (psychiatric) facility in Vernon, Texas, where he seems to be today. His is accused of using two firearms: a shotgun and .38 caliber revolver; certainly a tragic event.

This bill would require the licensing of every firearm and ammunition in possession of everyone. Certainly, criminals would not comply. The registration would require the make, model, and serial number of the firearm, the identity of the owner of the firearm, the date the firearm was acquired and where the firearm is stored. All this information would be made available to the public, all branches of the United States Armed Forces, and all State and local governments.

This bill outlines the steps to get a “license to own” a firearm:
1. Be 21 years old
2. Undergo a criminal background check
3. Undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if you are suitable to possess a firearm.
4. Successfully complete a firearms training course, and
5. Have in effect an insurance policy issued for a $800 fee.

It seems that our “elected” representatives and senators should be prudent is the establishing of new laws and regulations. Caution has seldom been a description that one would use to characterize their work.

To read H.R. 127 for yourself, please go to the government website linked below:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/127/text

Thank you for reading.

February 8, 2021 - Posted by Bill Wyler | Security & Safety