Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB690

Introduced
3/24/23  

Caption

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for firearms not to be carried without a license and for licenses, providing for firearm eligibility license, for application for firearm eligibility license, for fee and qualification, for investigations and training course and for issuance and terms and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for proof of license and exception and for administrative regulations; and making editorial changes.

Impact

The introduction of HB 690 represents a significant shift in Pennsylvania's laws regarding firearms. By implementing an eligibility license, the bill seeks to streamline the licensing process while ensuring that individuals are adequately trained and assessed before being allowed to purchase firearms. This law would likely lead to more regulated firearm transactions and increased accountability among gun buyers. Furthermore, the bill aims to improve the responsiveness and efficiency of liability and safety protocols relating to firearm sales and ownership.

Summary

House Bill 690 aims to amend Pennsylvania's firearms laws by introducing a firearm eligibility license, mandating that individuals must obtain this license to purchase firearms in the state. The bill also outlines the necessary qualifications for obtaining the license, which includes completing a certified firearms training course and undergoing a thorough background check, thereby establishing stricter criteria for firearm ownership. These changes are intended to enhance public safety by ensuring that only qualified individuals can possess firearms.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 690 is mixed. Proponents argue that the bill's provisions enhance safety by holding firearm purchasers to higher standards, thereby potentially reducing gun violence and misuse. Meanwhile, opponents view the bill as an infringement on Second Amendment rights, expressing concern that these new requirements could complicate the buying process for law-abiding citizens. The discussions around the bill highlight ongoing divides in public opinion on gun control measures and the balance between individual rights and community safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions about HB 690 include the balance between public safety and individual freedoms, specifically regarding the perceived overreach in regulating gun ownership. Critics are particularly wary of the educational and financial burdens that might arise from mandated training courses and background checks, arguing that such requirements could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. Additionally, there are discussions around whether the bill adequately addresses mental health considerations in determining eligibility, which remains a contentious issue among advocates for mental health and firearm policy reform.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB65

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for firearms not to be carried without a license and for licenses, providing for firearm eligibility license, for application for firearm eligibility license, for fee and qualification, for investigations and training course and for issuance and terms and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for proof of license and exception and for administrative regulations; and making editorial changes.

PA SB209

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses, providing for liability insurance and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA SB1201

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses, providing for liability insurance and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA HB154

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms and for Pennsylvania State Police, repealing provisions relating to firearm sales surcharge and to Firearm Records Check Fund and further providing for licensing of dealers and for administrative regulations.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and relating to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; and, in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles.

PA HB898

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for firearms not to be carried without a license, for the offense of possession of firearm by minor and for loans on, or lending or giving firearms prohibited.

PA SB56

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses.

PA SB148

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses.

PA HB454

In firearms and other dangerous articles, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license, providing for license not required, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, providing for sportsman's firearm permit, further providing for licenses and for antique firearms and repealing provisions relating to proof of license and exception; and making editorial changes.

PA HB912

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses.

Similar Bills

PA SB65

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for firearms not to be carried without a license and for licenses, providing for firearm eligibility license, for application for firearm eligibility license, for fee and qualification, for investigations and training course and for issuance and terms and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for proof of license and exception and for administrative regulations; and making editorial changes.

PA SB520

In wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of Department of Corrections; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts.

PA HB154

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms and for Pennsylvania State Police, repealing provisions relating to firearm sales surcharge and to Firearm Records Check Fund and further providing for licensing of dealers and for administrative regulations.

PA HB604

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and for the offense of altering or obliterating marks of identification and providing for destruction of confiscated or recovered firearms.

PA HB355

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police and for altering or obliterating marks of identification and providing for destruction of confiscated or recovered firearms.

PA SB908

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for the offense of persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for firearm sales surcharge, for retail dealer required to be licensed and for licensing of dealers and providing for ammunition purchase authorization permits and for transporting ammunition into this Commonwealth; establishing the Ammunition Safety and Enforcement Fund; and making editorial changes.

PA HB454

In firearms and other dangerous articles, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license, providing for license not required, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, providing for sportsman's firearm permit, further providing for licenses and for antique firearms and repealing provisions relating to proof of license and exception; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1142

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.