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.
Impact
If enacted, HB 604 would significantly modify existing state laws regarding firearms transfer and management. The bill mandates that firearms confiscated by law enforcement must be cataloged and returned to their lawful owners unless the owners are prohibited from possessing them. In cases where lawful ownership cannot be established within 120 days, the confiscated firearms must be destroyed, effectively streamlining the process for handling such items and reducing the burden on law enforcement agencies managing them.
Summary
House Bill 604 amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning firearms and other dangerous articles. This bill focuses on the sale and transfer of firearms and outlines the duties of the Pennsylvania State Police in relation to confiscated or recovered firearms. Key features of the bill include requirements for non-licensed persons to sell or transfer firearms only at specified locations and the establishment of protocols regarding the destruction of confiscated firearms if the lawful owner cannot be identified within a set timeframe.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 604 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill will improve public safety by ensuring that firearms do not remain in law enforcement custody indefinitely and that it clarifies the transfer process for unlicensed individuals. However, there are concerns from opponents that the bill may inadvertently undermine the rights of citizens regarding their property and the procedural rights of individuals related to firearms.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the provisions around the destruction of confiscated firearms, with opponents fearing that this may lead to the permanent loss of property without adequate process. Additionally, the aspect of requiring non-licensed individuals to conduct transfers only at certain locations could be seen as an infringement on personal rights. These elements raise questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights, making HB 604 a polarizing piece of legislation.
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.
In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police and for firearm sales surcharge.
In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for sale or transfer of firearms and for Pennsylvania State Police and providing for self-exclusion from purchasing a firearm.
In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses, providing for liability insurance and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.
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.
In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for police officer training on hate-based intimidation; and making an editorial change.
In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.
In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.
In Commonwealth services, providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services
In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; and, in particular rights and immunities, further prohibiting civil rights violations.