Barnstable State Rep. Brian Mannal Gets Key Joint Committee Assignments

“I apppreciate the support that I have received from the House leadership, and I am truly excited about working on the matters that will come before each of the committees to which I have been assigned,” said Mannal. “In particular, I’m looking forward to the work of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, which will be handling a number of new firearms bills that were filed this session.”

The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security handles all matters concerning laws related to shipping or otherwise transporting energy sources, the safety of the public, the correction system and other matters relative to Homeland Security.

“Public safety has been in the spotlight for some time now, but the recent tragedy in Newtown, Conn. has reignited the gun safety debate on Beacon Hill and a lot of people are now asking themselves whether or not our existing gun laws are effective, and what can be done to prevent gun violence in our society,” said Mannal. “Fundamentally, I believe in the 2nd Amendment and I have a conceal carry permit, but I also believe in common sense regulations that keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. My goal is to keep an open mind and give thoughtful consideration to every bill.”
   
 In January, Mannal filed legislation that is intended to regulate the sale and possession of body armor. The bill, which is currently known as HD:1005 (An act relative to the sale and possession of body armor), is likely to be assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

“I think that we need to have a serious discussion about this issue. The 2nd Amendment does not include the right to own body armor, and I have noticed a disturbing trend in mass shootings where assailants wear body armor in order to prolong their homicidal rampages,” said Mannal.

The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs reviews all legislation having to do with veterans or affairs dealing with the federal government, whereas the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development handles legislation related to the promotion of the Commonwealth as a destination for vacationers.

Cape and Islands State Senator Daniel A. Wolf, who has been appointed the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, has also been assigned to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development.

“Clearly, veterans affairs and tourism are matters of great importance to many people who live and work on Cape Cod,” said Mannal. “I feel fortunate to have been appointed to these committees, and I am excited about the chance to work closely with Senator Wolf and the other House and Senate members on each committee.”

Regional Editor's note: The above was written with information from a press release. Barnstable Local Editor Sara Mannal is married to State Rep. Brian Mannal.