Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB37

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB37 would have significant implications for existing laws regarding firearms in Pennsylvania. The expansion of disqualifying offenses means that more individuals convicted of specific crimes would be prohibited from possessing firearms. This could result in a notable decrease in firearm-related incidents, as individuals who may have previously been able to access firearms even after certain convictions would be barred from doing so. Additionally, the amendments will require further scrutiny from both law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure compliance and appropriate enforcement of these standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 37 (SB37) is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes specifically concerning firearms and other dangerous articles. The bill identifies and lists the offenses that disqualify individuals from possessing, using, manufacturing, controlling, selling, or transferring firearms. By enumerating a detailed list of offenses, SB37 seeks to enhance the overall regulation regarding firearm possession and use among individuals with certain criminal backgrounds. The proposed changes reflect an effort to tighten regulations surrounding firearms to improve public safety and accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB37 appears to be generally supportive among advocates of gun control and public safety. Proponents believe that the bill represents a critical step towards reducing gun violence and ensuring that firearms do not end up in the hands of individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Conversely, there are concerns from opponents who argue that the bill could infringe on the rights of individuals who have served their time and may wish to reintegrate into society without the lifelong burden of firearm restrictions. The dialogue surrounding the bill highlights a broader societal debate on balancing public safety with gun ownership rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around SB37 include concerns about the potential for overreach in the legislation's application. Critics raise questions about how these new restrictions would be implemented and whether they would inadvertently impact individuals convicted of non-violent offenses. Opponents argue that there needs to be a more nuanced approach when determining eligibility to possess firearms, suggesting that not all convicted individuals should automatically face lifelong restrictions. This highlights a fundamental tension between enhancing public safety and preserving civil liberties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB57

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

PA HB1859

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

PA SB672

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and for possession of firearm by minor; and making editorial changes.

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 HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

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 HB2206

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

PA SB637

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

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 SB1201

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.