Jun. 19, 2019
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today issued the following statement in response to Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s announcement that he will audit the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) operated by the Pennsylvania State Police:
“I’m pleased the auditor general has followed the request my colleagues and I made in January to review the effectiveness of the PICS system. For the past two legislative sessions I have championed legislation to consolidate instant background checks on prospective firearm purchasers by having all checks only go through the National Instant Check System (NICS).
“It is important that all laws related to background checks conducted in order to purchase firearms are followed. For example, we need to make sure denial letters are issued in a timely fashion to allow for appeals. In addition, it is vital that mental health records and other disqualifying information are accurately reported or removed from a person’s file to restore rights.
“While the PICS system has served the Commonwealth for over 30 years, never has its functions been evaluated through a special audit. I am eager to review the results of the audit in order better evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of PICS.”
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships, and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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