SB 452 establishes the "Safe Path Restricted Account" within Pennsylvania's General Fund, transferring $50 million for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will use these funds to award grants to political subdivisions and nonprofits operating safe passage programs. These programs aim to improve safety for youth and adults traveling to and from schools and community centers. Priority is given to applicants in areas with high gun violence rates, as determined by the Commission.
HB 1612 requires Pennsylvania firearm dealers to conduct background checks that include the federal terrorist screening database during gun sales. It adds individuals listed on this database to the existing list of people prohibited from purchasing firearms. The law updates background check procedures to mandate this check alongside criminal history, juvenile records, and mental health records, with dealers paying a $2 fee per check. The Pennsylvania State Police must provide immediate results during the transaction, either blocking the sale or issuing a unique approval number.
SB 47 amends Pennsylvania law to increase liability for licensed firearm sellers who knowingly transfer weapons they believe will be used in crimes. It makes licensed dealers, importers, or manufacturers criminally liable if they sell firearms they have reason to believe will be used for criminal activity, and subjects them to civil lawsuits for injuries caused by those firearms. The bill overrides existing liability laws to hold sellers accountable for both criminal and civil consequences when sales violate firearm transfer rules. It directly affects licensed firearm businesses by expanding their legal exposure beyond standard criminal penalties. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 121 establishes the Center for Gun Violence Research in Pennsylvania to conduct nonpartisan, academic research on gun violence causes, prevention, and impacts. The center, to be operated by a state-selected university, will analyze data on gun-related deaths, costs, and prevention strategies, and provide evidence-based findings to policymakers. It requires state agencies to share relevant data and mandates biennial reports to the Governor and General Assembly. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by funding research to address a public health crisis highlighted by the state’s high gun violence death rates and the lack of federal research funding since the 1996 Dickey Amendment.
HB 2043 would prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of specific assault weapons under Pennsylvania law. It directly affects individuals who own or attempt to purchase these firearms, as defined by the bill. The key provision creates a new criminal ban on the targeted weapons, making their possession unlawful without specified exceptions. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.
HB 2044 requires gun owners in Pennsylvania to report the theft or loss of a firearm to law enforcement within 48 hours. It directly affects individuals who legally own firearms by imposing a new reporting obligation. The bill specifies that failure to report within the required timeframe would be considered a misdemeanor offense, subjecting violators to penalties. This amendment modifies existing firearm laws under Title 18 to strengthen accountability for lost or stolen weapons.
HB 925 creates a new "Safe Path Restricted Account" within Pennsylvania's General Fund, initially funded by a $50 million transfer for fiscal year 2024-2025. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will manage these funds to award grants to local governments and nonprofits. These grants will support safe passage programs improving safety for people traveling to and from schools and community centers. Priority for funding will be given to communities with high gun violence rates, as determined by the commission.
HB 1486 would change bail rules for defendants charged with illegal firearm offenses in Pennsylvania's largest cities (like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). It requires defendants to pay only 10% of the full bail amount for a first offense, 50% for a second offense, and 100% for third or subsequent offenses to be released while awaiting trial. The bill applies specifically to charges under Pennsylvania's firearm laws (18 Pa.C.S. § 61) in cities of the first class. It does not alter the underlying firearm laws but modifies the bail payment structure for these cases. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.
This bill (SB 37) amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit individuals convicted of specific violent or dangerous crimes from possessing firearms. It directly affects people convicted of offenses like murder, aggravated assault, robbery, sexual assault, stalking, or certain types of kidnapping. The key mechanism adds over 50 existing criminal offenses - such as assault involving a firearm, robbery, or child sexual abuse - to a list where a conviction triggers an automatic firearm possession ban. The change clarifies that if someone is convicted of any of these listed crimes, they cannot legally own or carry a firearm.
SB 1056 would create regional gun violence task forces within Pennsylvania, requiring local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with community organizations to address firearm-related crimes. The bill amends Title 18 of Pennsylvania's laws to establish these task forces, focusing on preventing and investigating gun violence in high-risk areas. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, community groups, and residents in communities experiencing elevated firearm crime. The key mechanism involves mandating task force formation and coordination to develop localized prevention strategies and improve data sharing. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
