All of Your Tracked Bills


HCO25 - Defending Due Process by Prohibiting Red Flag Laws
Sponsor: Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R)
Summary: Aims to prohibit Red Flag laws in Pennsylvania.
Position: Support
Comments:
Catie Gavenonis
  12/03/2024 5:34 PM

No concerns (CG 12.3.24).

Catie Gavenonis
  12/03/2024 5:34 PM

No concerns (CG 12.3.24).

Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:48 PM

Bans Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders in Pennsylvania, defending the due process rights of all gun owners.

HCO27 - Empowering Local Governments to Protect Their Residents
Sponsor: Rep. Dan Frankel (D)
Summary: Aims to allow communities to make rules regarding deadly firearms. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Catie Gavenonis
  12/03/2024 5:42 PM

No concerns (CG 12.3.24).

Catie Gavenonis
  12/03/2024 5:42 PM

No concerns (CG 12.3.24).

Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:46 AM

Guts the state firearms preemption law by allowing municipalities to create their own gun control ordinances, turning Pennsylvania into a patchwork quilt of gun control laws. These ordinances will do nothing to stop crime and will only serve to entrap law-abiding citizens.

HCO127 - Mandatory Jail Time for Illegal Possession of a Firearm (Previously HB1592)
Sponsor: Rep. Kathleen C. Tomlinson (R)
Summary: Aims to impose a new mandatory minimum sentence for previously convicted offenders found to be illegally in possession of a firearm.
Position: Neutral
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:51 PM

Aims to impose a new mandatory minimum sentence for previously convicted offenders found to be illegally in possession of a firearm.

HCO132 - Background Checks for Firearms
Sponsor: Rep. Perry S. Warren (D)
Summary: Requires background checks for all guns. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:52 PM

Universal Registration Check bill that would ban the private sale of long guns in Pennsylvania unless they go through a licensed dealer.

HCO158 - Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D)
Summary: Aims to provide for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:53 PM

Creates Red Flag Gun Confiscation orders in Pennsylvania, violating the due process rights of gun owners

HCO159 - Statewide Gun Buyback Program
Sponsor: Rep. Jose Giral (D)
Summary: Requires the Office of Attorney General to establish a statewide gun buyback program with the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 3:54 PM

Establishes a statewide gun buyback program.

Kaitlin Murphy
  03/25/2025 10:21 AM

Requires the Office of Attorney General to establish a statewide gun buyback program with the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.

HCO245 - Civil Liability for Failure to Report Lost and Stolen Firearms
Sponsor: Rep. Perry S. Warren (D)
Summary: Aims to require firearm owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 24 hours of the discovery of the loss or theft, and providing that firearm owners that fail to file reports may be held civilly liable for damages resulting from crimes committed with their lost or stolen firearm.  
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:55 PM

Establishes lost and stolen firearms reporting requirements and adds criminal penalties, victimizing gun owners twice if their gun is stolen.

HCO263 - Protecting Firearms Purchase Data (former HB 774)
Sponsor: Rep. Perry A. Stambaugh (R)
Summary: Aims to prohibit the Pennsylvania State Police from sharing any information relating to firearms purchases that occur in the commonwealth with any individual or entity, including the federal government.
Position: Support
Comments:
Catie Gavenonis
  12/09/2024 10:17 PM

Former HB 774 - no reason to weigh in; keep an eye out for amendments (CG 12.9.24).

Catie Gavenonis
  12/09/2024 10:17 PM

Former HB 774 - no reason to weigh in; keep an eye out for amendments (CG 12.9.24).

Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:36 PM

Aims to prohibit the Pennsylvania State Police from sharing any information relating to firearms purchases that occur in the commonwealth with any individual or entity, including the federal government.

HCO280 - Second Amendment Preservation Act
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: Prohibits the enforcement of any new federal restriction, prohibition or registration requirement for firearms, magazines and ammunition. Also prohibits the use of any state or local resources to enforce any new federal restriction, prohibition or registration requirement on the purchase or ownership of firearms, and firearm accessories.
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 5:03 PM

Defends Pennsylvania gun owners from federal overreach by preventing the enforcement of new federal restrictions, prohibitions or registration requirements for firearms, magazines and ammunition. Also prohibits the use of any state or local resources to enforce federal restrictions, prohibitions, or registration requirements.

HCO305 - School Armed Guard Protection Act (Former HB 227)
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: Requires an armed guard to be present in each school building during school hours and after school activities.  
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 5:03 PM

Requires an armed guard to be present in each school building during school hours and after school activities.

HCO315 - Sales and Use Tax Exemption on Firearms and Ammunition (Former HB 241)
Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R)
Summary: Excludes the purchase of a firearm and ammunition from state Sales and Use Tax.
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 5:03 PM

Excludes the purchase of a firearm and ammunition from state Sales and Use Tax.

HCO339 - Firearm Policies in Healthcare Facilities (former HB1566)
Sponsor: Rep. Steven R. Malagari (D)
Summary: Aims to require certain health care facilities, like hospitals and psychiatric facilities, to create and maintain a publicly accessible policy on the acceptance or prohibition of the possession of firearms and firearm accessories.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 9:58 PM

Turns healthcare facilities into gun-free zones, where 90% of mass shootings occur.

HCO394 - Gun Violence Awareness Month - June 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Kazeem (D)
Summary: Resolution designating June 2025 as gun violence awareness month in Pennsylvania.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 11:57 PM

Resolution designating June 2025 as gun violence awareness month in Pennsylvania, further stigmatizing firearms ownership.

HCO461 - Prohibiting Firearm Purchases for Terrorists and Suspected Terrorists
Sponsor: Rep. Perry S. Warren (D)
Summary: Aims to prohibit terrorists and suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:00 AM

Prohibits people on a government watchlist from purchasing firearms, depriving them of their constitutional rights without due process. People often get put on these lists by mistake.

HCO525 - Firearms on Local Government Property
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Isaacson (D)
Summary: Allows political subdivisions to regulate the possession and transportation of firearms when carried or transported on public grounds, including but not limited to buildings, parks, and conveyances or vehicle
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 10:01 PM

Guts the state firearms preemption law by allowing municipalities to ban firearms on public grounds, including but not limited to buildings, parks, and conveyances or vehicles. This creates more gun-free zones where 90% of mass shootings occur.

HCO527 - Destroying Confiscated or Recovered Firearms
Sponsor: Rep. Mary Isaacson (D)
Summary: Mandates that law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania make reasonable efforts to identify and return all firearms to their rightful and lawful owners.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/06/2025 10:53 AM

If an owner cannot be identified within 120 days, the firearm would be required to be destroyed under this bill. Confiscated firearms should NOT be destroyed. Instead, they should be sold to the public if they cannot be returned to their lawful owners after an investigation is completed.

HCO552 - Banning Ghost Guns & Prohibiting Undetectable Firearms
Sponsor: Rep. Morgan Cephas (D)
Summary: Aims to ban ghost gun parts and guns without serial numbers.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/23/2025 10:05 PM

Bans pieces of metal and plastic, making building your own gun illegal. This is a right we have had since before the founding of our Republic.

HCO656 - Protecting the Public from 3-D Printed Guns
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D)
Summary: Ensures 3D-printed firearms are treated as standard firearms under Pennsylvania’s laws and regulations. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:03 AM

Bans making 3-D printed firearms unless one has a license from the federal government to manufacture firearms.

HCO737 - Enhancing Classroom Security
Sponsor: Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R)
Summary: Allows school employees who possess a valid Pennsylvania concealed carry permit to be armed while on school property. 
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 5:04 PM

Allows school employees who possess a valid Pennsylvania concealed carry permit to be armed while on school property.

HCO740 - Constitutional Carry of a Firearm
Sponsor: No primary sponsor.
Summary: Creates a two-tiered system for the concealed carrying of firearms for lawful purposes in Pennsylvania.
Position: Support
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:10 AM

Would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a license to carry firearms to carry concealed in Pennsylvania. Would retain an option to obtain a license for concealed carry reciprocity purposes.

HCO766 - Establishing a Gun Violence Task Force
Sponsor: Rep. Jared G. Solomon (D)
Summary: Establishes a Gun Violence Task Force in every county that suffers from high rates of firearm deaths. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:13 PM

Establishes a Gun Violence Task Force. Historically known to be ineffective - Philadelphia has had one since 2006.

HCO815 - Emergency Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders
Sponsor: Rep. Carol Kazeem (D)
Summary: Aims to allow local courts to extend the period for the expiration of emergency PFA relief.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:16 AM

Allows local courts to extend the period for the expiration of emergency "ex parte" PFA orders, further depriving gun owners of their due process rights.

HCO879 - Protecting the Public from 3-D Printed Guns
Sponsor: Rep. Melissa L. Shusterman (D)
Summary: Ensures 3D-printed firearms are treated as standard firearms under Pennsylvania’s laws and regulations. Prohibits anyone from printing a firearm without a license from the federal government to manufacture firearms.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:26 PM

3D printed/homemade firearms ban. Establishes licensing requirements in order to 3D print firearms.

SCO107 - Divestiture and Investment Prohibition from Assault Weapon Manufacturers
Sponsor: Sen. Jay Costa (D)
Summary: Aims to require divestiture and prohibit future investments by the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS), the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS) and the State Treasurer in any company that manufactures assault weapons, large capacity ammunition feeding devices or assault weapon accessories.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:29 AM

Requires divestiture and Investment Prohibition by the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS), the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS) and the State Treasurer from certain firearms manufacturers.

SCO109 - Gun Violence Survivors Week 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Arthur L Haywood (D)
Summary: Resolution recognizing the first week of February 2025 as "Gun Violence Survivors Week” in Pennsylvania in order to highlight the issue of gun violence in the commonwealth's communities.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:30 AM

Recognizing the first week of February 2025 as "Gun Violence Survivors Week" further perpetuating the myth that violence is caused by firearms rather than by people intending to do harm by whatever means are available.

SCO112 - Permit to Purchase
Sponsor: Sen. Arthur L Haywood (D)
Summary: Creates a new firearm eligibility license within the Pennsylvania Crimes Code that is to be obtained before an individual can purchase a firearm.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:35 AM

Would create a license to purchase firearms, requiring citizens to seek government permission before exercising a constitutional right.

SCO114 - Requiring Background Checks to Purchase Ammunition
Sponsor: Sen. Arthur L Haywood (D)
Summary: Requires the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct a background check on individuals looking to purchase ammunition.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 3:51 PM

Requires the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct a background check on individuals looking to purchase ammunition.

SCO120 - Protect Children by Requiring Identification for Ammunition Purchases
Sponsor: Sen. John I. Kane (D)
Summary: Requires all individuals to provide an official form of photographic identification with every purchase of firearm ammunition to ensure that firearm ammunition is not sold to underage children.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 3:52 PM

Would require someone to show ID in order to purchase ammunition.

SCO137 - Checking-In of Firearms in Municipal Buildings
Sponsor: Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D)
Summary: Requires firearms to be checked in and safely stored at municipal buildings in the commonwealth and then returned to the owner upon leaving the building.  
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:38 AM

Bans firearms in municipal buildings, creating another gun-free zone where 90% of mass shootings occur.

SCO152 - Right To Bear Arms Act
Sponsor: Sen. Doug Mastriano (R)
Summary: Prohibits the enforcement of any new federal restriction, prohibition or registration requirement for firearms, magazines and ammunition.
Position: Support
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:39 AM

Defends Pennsylvania gun owners from federal overreach by preventing the enforcement of new federal restrictions, prohibitions or registration requirements for firearms, magazines and ammunition. Also prohibits the use of any state or local resources to enforce federal restrictions, prohibitions, or registration requirements.

SCO158 - Protecting the Rights of Concealed Carry Permit Holders Traveling Across State Lines Act
Sponsor: Sen. Doug Mastriano (R)
Summary: Amends Title 18 to specify that information from the Firearms License Validation System may not be provided to personnel in another state that has not entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:36 PM

Amends Title 18 to specify that information from the Firearms License Validation System may not be provided to personnel in another state that has not entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

SCO184 - 3-D printed and undetectable firearms
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Aims to address the lack of safeguards in untraceable and undetectable firearms by amending Title 18 to ensure 3D-printed firearms are subject to the Uniform Firearm Act and would ensure a 3D-printed firearm is considered a firearm for purposes of Title 18 as well as amending the Uniform Firearm Act to specify an undetectable firearm or a “ghost gun” is a firearm.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO185 - Pennsylvania Center for Gun Violence Research
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Creates a Pennsylvania Center for Gun Violence Research.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO187 - Adding Additional Disqualifying Criminal Convictions to the Uniform Firearms Act
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Amends the Uniform Firearms Act to expand the list of criminal convictions that disqualify a person from possessing, using, manufacturing, controlling, selling or transferring a firearm.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO188 - Requiring a Firearms Safety or Training Course as a Condition of Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Amends the Uniform Firearms Act to require an individual to complete a firearms safety or training course as a condition of being issued a Concealed Carry Permit. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO193 - Extreme Risk Protection Order
Sponsor: Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D)
Summary: Allows families and police officers to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone who is a threat to themselves or others.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:41 AM

Allows for Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders in Pennsylvania, violating the due process rights of gun owners.

Kaitlin Murphy
  04/23/2025 1:17 PM

Red flag bill

SCO221 - Weapons in Public Parks
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Prohibits firearms or other dangerous weapons in public recreation areas.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO223 - Imposing Strict Liability on Sales or Transfers of Firearms in Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act
Sponsor: Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D)
Summary: Amends the Uniform Firearms Act ("UFA") to impose strict civil and criminal liability on any person, licensed importer, licensed dealer or licensed manufacturer who knowingly and intentionally sells, delivers or transfers a firearm in violation of the UFA if that gun is subsequently used in a crime or attempted crime.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO265 - Local Regulation of Firearms
Sponsor: Sen. Maria Collett (D)
Summary: Allows political subdivisions, by ordinance, the ability to restrict the presence and use of firearms at properties and facilities they own or operate. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:45 AM

Guts the state firearms preemption law by allowing municipalities to create their own gun control ordinances, turning Pennsylvania into a patchwork quilt of gun control laws. These ordinances will do nothing to stop crime and will only serve to entrap law-abiding citizens.

SCO266 - Universal Background Checks
Sponsor: Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero (D)
Summary: eliminates most of the exceptions to the requirement of a background check prior to the purchase or transfer of a firearm, while the close familial transfer exception to the background check requirements would remain.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
No comments for this bill.
SCO273 - Pennsylvania Preemption Statute Regarding Firearms and Ammunition
Sponsor: Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R)
Summary: Strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over firearms and ammunition regulations by preventing local jurisdictions from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly and reinforcing the original intent of the Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations.
Position: Support
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:22 AM

Strengthens firearms preemption in Pennsylvania by allowing the recovery of legal fees and damages if a municipality passes an illegal ordinance and loses the case in court. This is an essential piece of legislation to end the financial war of attrition against law-abiding gun owners.

SCO288 - Reasonable and Responsible Firearm Purchasing Rules
Sponsor: Sen. John I. Kane (D)
Summary: Considers prohibiting the sale or possession of assault weapons for individuals under the age of 21. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:48 AM

Violates the constitutional right to purchase a semi-automatic rifle for anyone under 21 years of age.

SCO316 - Castle Doctrine Expansion
Sponsor: Sen. Patrick J. Stefano (R)
Summary: Strengthens Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine by extending these self-defense rights beyond a person’s dwelling to their property line. 
Position: Support
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 5:04 PM

Strengthens Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine by extending these self-defense rights beyond a person’s dwelling to their property line.

SCO351 - Waiving the License to Carry Firearm Application Fee for Active Military and Honorably Discharged Veterans
Sponsor: Sen. Michele Brooks (R)
Summary: Waives the License to Carry Firearm application fee for active military and honorably discharged veterans. 
Position: Neutral
Comments:
Val Finnell
  12/13/2024 11:58 AM

While GOA honors military service and the sacrifice of our veterans, we do not support creating special classes of people exempt from LTCF fees. Instead, the PA General Assembly should pass Constitutional Carry.

SCO391 - Weapons in Schools: Providing for the notification of parents, guardians, and school employees
Sponsor: Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R)
Summary: Increases the reporting requirements around weapons in schools.
Position: Neutral
Comments:
Catie Gavenonis
  12/16/2024 5:17 PM

Former SB 971 - no concerns (CG 12.16.24).

Catie Gavenonis
  12/16/2024 5:17 PM

Former SB 971 - no concerns (CG 12.16.24).

Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:49 AM

Increases the reporting requirements around weapons in schools.

SCO456 - Constitutional Carry of a Firearm
Sponsor: Sen. Cris Dush (R)
Summary: Creates a two-tiered system for the concealed carrying of firearms for lawful purposes in Pennsylvania.
Position: Support
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:54 AM

Would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a license to carry firearms to carry concealed in Pennsylvania. Would retain an option to obtain a license for concealed carry reciprocity purposes.

SCO466 - Preventing Financial Institutions from Tracking Second Amendment Activities
Sponsor: Sen. Cris Dush (R)
Summary: Prevents credit card companies from tracking second amendment activities. 
Position: Support
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:55 AM

Prevents credit card companies from tracking second amendment activities, which would create a backdoor registry of gun owners.

SCO477 - Safe Storage of Firearms
Sponsor: Sen. Amanda M. Cappelletti (D)
Summary: Requires that firearm owners take the steps necessary to help ensure that their guns do not fall into the wrong hands by enacting child access prevention (CAP) laws, such as requiring gun owners to safely store firearms if a person who cannot legally possess a firearm lives in the owner’s residence, requiring gun owners to safely store firearms when not under direct control of the owner and requiring safe storage of firearms when children are present in the home.   
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 12:58 AM

Mandates "safe storage" of firearms.

SCO478 - Assault Weapons Ban
Sponsor: Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero (D)
Summary: Broadens the scoop of what the state classifies as assault weapons including banning more than 150 gun models as well as banning the sale of gun magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, and will provide for a voluntary buy-back program for individuals that currently own firearms that would now fall under this legislation. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:25 PM

"Assault weapons" ban. Expands definitions of what constitutes as an "assault weapon." Also includes a magazine ban and buyback program.

SCO493 - Establishing a 72-Hour Waiting Period for All Firearm Transfers
Sponsor: Sen. Amanda M. Cappelletti (D)
Summary: Establishes a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm transfers. 
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 1:05 AM

Establishes a 72-hour waiting period for all firearm transfers. A right delayed is a right denied.

SCO494 - Requiring Liability Insurance for Owners of Firearms
Sponsor: Sen. Amanda M. Cappelletti (D)
Summary: Requires firearm owners to carry liability insurance for their weapons.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Val Finnell
  01/24/2025 1:06 AM

Requires firearm owners to carry liability insurance for their guns.

SCO514 - Lost and Stolen Gun Reporting
Sponsor: Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D)
Summary: Requires lost or stolen firearms be reported to local law enforcement authorities within 24 hours.
Position: Oppose
Comments:
Grant Clarkson
  01/23/2025 4:28 PM

Requires lost or stolen firearms be reported to local law enforcement authorities within 24 hours.