A measure to codify background checks authored by state Rep Perry Warren (D Bucks) passed the House with bipartisan support Tuesday in a 104 to 99 vote.
The bill would require background checks for the sale and transfer of rifles and shotguns, which is not currently required in the Commonwealth.
“House Bill 1593 will make background checks consistent, comprehensive, and effective,” Warren said.
Long guns, including rifles and shotguns, can still be sold without a background check in private transactions. Warren’s legislation would close that loophole by requiring background checks for all firearm sales, regardless of barrel length or seller type, including at gun shows, online, and between private parties.
Studies show that background checks save lives — they reduce both gun homicides and suicides by deterring and preventing persons who would due harm from obtaining firearms in the first place,” Warren said.
In 2024, Pennsylvania State Police conducted over 1.2 million background checks, yet long guns remain the loophole exploited in many tragic shootings, including the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, according to state data.
There were, according to House voting records two other “gun reform” measures voted on Tuesday each failing in 101 to 102 votes highlighting the divide within each party with respects to suburban vs rural interests in each party. Those bills- dealing with proposed red flag laws, ghost guns, machine gun conversion devices- that failed, Warren said would be brought back up in the House as Democratic members are seeking reconsideration of those measures.
“Requiring a background check on all gun purchases, reduced gun trafficking and keep firearms away from people with histories of violence. Most take less than a minute and save Pennsylvanians from a lifetime of pain,” CeaseFire PA Executive Director Adam Garber said. “We
applaud Rep Warren and the PA House for taking this common sense approach to firearms purchases – one that many already believe was law, and nearly all voters support.”
Five Republicans, (three from Bucks County), Reps Kathleen “K.C” Tomlinson, Kristin Marcel. Joe Hogan with Martina White and Craig Williams supported the measure.
HB 1593 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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