Extreme Risk Protection Orders (HB 1018)
This bill allows family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a loved one in crisis, without subjecting them to an involuntary mental-health commitment. See fact sheet for more information.
Bill status: This bill was passed by the State House on May 22, 2023. It is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The next step is to have that committee's chair, Lisa Baker, schedule a hearing. Then for Kim Ward, the Senate President, to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, and for it to get enough votes in the Senate to pass.
Universal Background Checks (HB 714)
Currently, all firearm sales from licensed gun stores require a background check for all purchasers. However, this requirement does not currently extend to individual sales of guns. This bill closes a loophole in our state's background check law. Currently, private sales of long guns - including assault weapons - are exempt from the criminal background check process that applies to all sales at gun shops and to private sales of handguns. See fact sheet for more information.
Bill status: This bill was passed by the State House on May 22, 2023. It is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The next step is to have that committee's chair, Lisa Baker, schedule a hearing. Then for Kim Ward, the Senate President, to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, and for it to get enough votes in the Senate to pass.
Safe Storage of Firearms (HB 1629)
This bill requires firearm owners to be responsible and securely store their weapons in the home when a child may be present. See fact sheet for more information.
Bill status: This bill was introduced in the PA House by Rep. Tim Briggs August 29, 2023. A hearing will be held the week of 11/13.
Lost or Stolen Gun Reporting (HB 338)
This bill requires gun owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm within three days of discovering the firearm is gone. See fact sheet for more information.
Bill status: This bill failed by 1 vote in the PA House on May 22, 2023. A different version may be introduced later.