Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB357

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB357 would fundamentally alter the landscape of firearm laws in Pennsylvania by eliminating the licensing requirement for firearm possession and carrying. This would allow individuals to carry firearms openly or concealed without prior approval from law enforcement, which could lead to an increase in the number of firearms on the streets. Additionally, it would amend laws concerning the relinquishment of firearms from convicted persons and address the possession of firearms at court facilities and during emergencies. These changes could pose challenges for law enforcement in managing firearms-related incidents and maintaining public safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 357 seeks to amend several provisions of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes related to the regulation of firearms. A primary aim of the bill is to remove the requirement for individuals to obtain a license for carrying firearms, both openly and concealed, thereby expanding the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms without bureaucratic hurdles. The bill emphasizes the inherent right to self-defense and codifies this as a fundamental constitutional right, reinforcing the idea that existing firearm licensing regulations are ineffective in preventing crime and serve only to infringe on the rights of individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB357 is highly polarized. Proponents argue that the bill enhances personal freedoms and aligns with the constitutional rights of citizens to defend themselves. They believe that reducing regulatory barriers will empower individuals and promote responsible gun ownership. Conversely, opponents view the bill as a potential threat to public safety, arguing that removing licensing requirements could exacerbate issues related to gun violence and reduce accountability. This division reflects broader national conversations about gun rights and control, highlighting the tensions between individual liberties and community safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from law enforcement and advocacy groups specializing in gun safety, who argue that the absence of licensing could lead to a lack of accountability among firearm carriers. Critics highlight that without a permit process, there would be no comprehensive checks on individuals’ backgrounds, raising fears about increased access for those who may pose a danger to society. The bill's approach to addressing firearm possession during emergencies also raises questions about how law enforcement will navigate public safety challenges in situations where firearm regulations are loosened.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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.

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 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 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 HB690

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 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 HB1018

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.

PA SB103

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions, for responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, for hearings, for relief, for order to seal record from public view, for service of orders, for arrest for violation of order and for contempt for violation of order or agreement.