PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1018

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1018

Introduced
4/21/23  
Refer
4/21/23  
Refer
5/3/23  
Report Pass
5/22/23  
Engrossed
5/22/23  

Caption

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for abandonment of firearms, weapons or ammunition; in community and municipal courts, further providing for masters; adding provisions relating to extreme risk protection orders; imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General; and imposing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1018 is expected to reinforce the state’s firearms regulations significantly by enhancing legal mechanisms aimed at preventing gun violence. Specifically, the introduction of ERPOs aims to address urgent public safety concerns by providing a legal path to temporarily limit firearm access for individuals displaying signs of potential harm, particularly in circumstances involving mental health crises or domestic violence. This could lead to substantial changes in how justice is administered in relation to firearms offenses and protective measures.

Summary

House Bill 1018, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, seeks to amend existing laws related to firearms possession, use, and transfer. A key feature of the bill is the introduction of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) which allow courts to prohibit individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others from possessing firearms. The bill imposes duties on the Office of the Attorney General in creating standardized forms and procedures for ERPOs, aiming to enhance clarity and accessibility within the judicial process surrounding firearms laws. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations of the order, potentially impacting a broad range of legal definitions surrounding firearm possession.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1018 appears mixed, with support from various public safety advocates and mental health professionals who see it as a proactive approach to reducing gun violence. However, opposition remains from certain gun rights groups and individuals who view this bill as an infringement on Second Amendment rights. The debate encapsulates the ongoing tension between public safety interests and individual rights, making the legislative process surrounding the bill a focal point of public and political discourse.

Contention

One major point of contention regarding HB 1018 is the perceived balance it strikes between ensuring safety and protecting personal freedoms. Opponents argue that ERPOs may lead to abuse of the system, where individuals could be unfairly targeted or have their rights stripped without due process. Furthermore, the provisions for notification and the requirements for enforcement raise questions about implementation and the potential stigmatization of individuals subject to these orders. As discussions continue, these concerns are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the final text and acceptance of the bill.

Latest PA HB1018 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB1018

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1859

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms.

PA SB57

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms.

PA SB37

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms.

PA HB596

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for sale or transfer of firearms and providing for Gun Violence Task Force in cities of the first class.

PA HB983

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for sale or transfer of firearms and providing for Gun Violence Task Force in cities of the first class.

PA SB42

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in assault, further providing for assault of law enforcement officer and for discharge of firearm into an occupied structure; in theft and related offenses, further providing for definitions; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibiting of paramilitary training; 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 prohibited conduct during emergency, providing for 3-D printed firearms and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for firearm sales surcharge, for registration of firearms, for licensing of dealers and for abandonment of firearms, weapons or ammunition; and imposing penalties.

PA SB695

In falsification and intimidation, further providing for unsworn falsification to authorities; and, in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for the offense of persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for licenses and for sale or transfer of 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 SB556

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for registration of firearms; and imposing penalties.

PA SB556

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for registration of firearms; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

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 SB204

In actions, proceedings and other matters generally, providing for extreme risk protection orders.

PA SB262

In actions, proceedings and other matters generally, providing for extreme risk protection orders.

NM HB27

Extreme Risk Protection Order Changes

ME LD2283

An Act to Enact the Crisis Intervention Order Act to Protect the Safety of the Public

AZ SB1662

Order of protection; firearm possession

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 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 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; in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles; and making editorial changes.