Strict Gun Control Bill Introduced by Democrats in Pennsylvania House

Three state representatives from the Philadelphia area, Representative Angel Cruz (D-Philadelphia), Representative Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia), and Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery), co-sponsored House Bill 768, the Firearm Registration Act, in which all gun owners would be required to apply to the PA State Police for a registration certificate for each gun they own.

The application would require:

1. The name, home and business address, telephone number, date of birth and Social Security number of the applicant.
2. The age, sex and citizenship of the applicant.
3. The name of the manufacturer, the caliber or gauge, model, type and serial number of each firearm to be registered.
4. Two photographs taken within 30 days immediately prior to the date of filing the application equivalent to passport size showing the full face, head and shoulders of the applicant in a clear and distinguishing manner.
5. Additional information as the Pennsylvania State Police may deem necessary to process the application.

Applicants would also be required to submit to fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

The certificates would require a $10 fee and would be good for one year at which time the owner would be required to re-apply. If the certificate is not approved, the gun must be turned in.

If the certificate is approved the owner must keep the “firearm unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock, gun safe or similar device unless the firearm is in the registrant’s immediate possession and control while at the registrant’s place of residence or business or while being used for lawful recreational purposes within this Commonwealth.”

The bill states no one may possess, harbor, control, transfer, offer for sale, sell, give, deliver or accept a firearm without a registration certificate.

All gun owners in Pennsylvania need to be aware of this bill and should contact their local state representatives and tell them what they think.

House Bill 768
Co-Sponsorship Memoranda