Governor Tom Wolf reiterated his support for bills increasing gun control in the state Monday as elected officials weigh how best to reduce gun deaths.

A major target of Wolf’s encouragement was SB 501, the first major gun policy bill since the Parkland School shooting — which has brought the gun debate to blistering new levels — to pass a chamber. 

Chairman Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) announced Wednesday during the House Judiciary Committee’s last in a series of gun policy meetings that he wants the public to share its opinions about how to tackle gun violence. He encouraged members of the public to submit written testimony to his Capitol office, and selected advocacy groups will be invited to testify in person at a hearing in May.

House members discussed potential legislation that limits access to guns and there was no consensus during the fifth gun policy public hearing Tuesday. 

House Bill 1400, the background check bill and House Bill 194, legislation that would ban assault weapons, got the most criticism from Rep. Rick Saccone (R- Allegheny) and Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks).