Pennsylvania Gun Safety Bill Advances Despite GOP Opposition
Pennsylvania lawmakers advance bill requiring gun owners to secure firearms in safes or with locks, despite unanimous Republican opposition citing self-defense concerns.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — A bill requiring Pennsylvania gun owners to secure their firearms in safes or with locking devices when not in use advanced from a House committee Monday, though every Republican voted against the measure.
The legislation, introduced by state House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery), passed the committee on a 16-14 vote along party lines. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
“We listened about self-defense,” Briggs said, explaining that the bill’s definition of “possession” includes having a gun close by for ready use while preventing access by children or unauthorized persons. “So the person who keeps it next to their bed, that’s reasonable.”
Bill Requirements and Tax Exemption
The measure mandates that gun owners keep firearms locked in a gun safe or secured with a locking device when not in use. An amendment approved by the same 16-14 vote adds a sales tax exemption for gun locks and safes.
The bill also requires gun dealers to post conspicuous notices about the law’s requirements and potential criminal and civil liability for non-compliance. A standalone version of the sales tax exemption passed the committee unanimously.
Republican Opposition Continues
Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), the ranking Republican on the panel, argued the requirement could hamper self-defense capabilities during emergencies.
“Every burglary, assault, or act of domestic violence occurs without warning,” Kauffman said. “Victims don’t receive advance notice.”
This marks the second attempt by Briggs to pass secure firearms storage legislation. A similar bill he introduced last session expired without receiving a floor vote.
Addressing Previous Concerns
The current version attempts to address Republican opposition by clarifying that firearms can remain accessible for self-defense while still being secured from unauthorized access. The provision allows gun owners to keep weapons nearby for protection while ensuring children and other unauthorized individuals cannot access them.
The committee vote reflects the ongoing partisan divide over gun safety measures in Pennsylvania, with Democrats supporting enhanced storage requirements and Republicans maintaining concerns about constitutional rights and self-defense access.
The full House will now consider the legislation, though the timeline for a floor vote remains unclear. Similar secure storage bills have faced challenges in previous legislative sessions, with supporters arguing they prevent accidental shootings and opponents citing Second Amendment concerns.
