HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant stride toward tightening gun control within the state, Pennsylvania lawmakers have taken aim at “ghost guns” with the recent passage of House Bill 777. The bill, which cleared the State House on March 27, 2024, with a close vote of 104-97, seeks to criminalize the sale or purchase of firearms and firearm parts without serial numbers.
Sponsored by Representatives Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, House Bill 777 proposes amendments to Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Specifically, it aims to redefine legal boundaries around firearms, introducing felony charges for those involved in the trade of unserialized weapons, commonly referred to as ghost guns.
Ghost guns present a formidable challenge to law enforcement and public safety due to their lack of traceability. Manufactured without serial numbers, these firearms circumvent traditional purchase pathways — including background checks — allowing them to fall into the hands of individuals prohibited from owning guns.
Senator Hughes expressed strong support for the legislation, highlighting the alarming rise in ghost gun incidents in Philadelphia, which has surged by 311% since 2019. “The use of ghost guns in Philadelphia has grown exponentially, leading to more untraceable and unregistered guns in our communities,” Hughes stated. “We must act to put an end to ghost guns.”
This legislative push is part of a broader effort to enhance gun safety in Pennsylvania, with the House also forwarding bills that would establish red flag laws and universal background checks. These measures align with Senate Bill 49, addressing ghost guns, and Senate Bill 695, focusing on straw purchasing — the practice of buying firearms for someone else who is legally barred from owning them.
The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated. With ghost guns increasingly used in criminal activities, their regulation represents a critical juncture in the battle against gun violence. By closing loopholes that allow for the proliferation of unregistered firearms, lawmakers aim to prevent these weapons from exacerbating the cycle of violence plaguing many communities.
Senator Hughes’s call to action underscores the widespread support for these reforms among Pennsylvanians. “Most of these commonsense gun safety laws are one step away from becoming a reality in Pennsylvania,” he remarked. “We are so close to establishing these safety protections that a majority of Pennsylvanians support.”
As House Bill 777 moves to the Senate for further consideration, its potential impact on gun safety and community well-being looms large. This legislation represents not just a legal adjustment but a moral imperative to protect citizens from the dangers posed by untraceable firearms. As the debate continues, the eyes of Pennsylvania — and indeed, the nation — are watching, waiting to see if this will mark a turning point in the fight against gun violence.
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