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HB 2244

An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax. Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for the offense of unauthorized access to firearms.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 33 co-sponsors

HB 2244 creates a new offense of unauthorized access to firearms to deter and penalize obtaining guns without proper authorization.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2244

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 2244
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania, Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses)
  • Subject: Amending the Crimes and Offenses statute to create the offense of unauthorized access to firearms
  • Sponsors: Multiple House members including co-sponsors Kyle Donahue, Liz Hanbidge, John Inglis, Bob Freeman, Melissa Shusterman, Gina Curry, Tim Briggs, Nikki Rivera, Danielle Otten, Emily Kinkead, Maureen Madden, Dan Frankel, Joe Hohenstein, Mary Isaacson, Ben Sanchez, Lindsay Powell, Nancy Guenst, Jeanne McNeill, Tim Brennan, Arvind Venkat

Purpose and Intent

  • To establish a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania law for unauthorized access to firearms.
  • Aims to deter and penalize situations in which individuals obtain or attempt to obtain firearms without proper authorization or lawful entitlement.
  • Seeks to enhance public safety by addressing gaps related to access to firearms, potentially including access by prohibited individuals or in contexts where access is unlawful.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • New Offense: Creation of a statutory offense titled “unauthorized access to firearms.”
  • Elements (likely, based on typical framework for such offenses):
    • unlawful or unauthorized access to a firearm by a person who does not have lawful authority or possession rights.
    • Possible aggravating factors (e.g., access by a minor, access in a location, or access by a person prohibited from possessing firearms).
    • Intent or knowledge requirements (e.g., intent to use the firearm unlawfully, or recklessness).
  • Penalties: The bill would specify penalties (e.g., fines, imprisonment, or combination) appropriate to the level of offense (misdemeanor vs. felony), though exact sentence lengths are not provided in the summary.
  • Definitions: Clarifies terms such as “firearm,” “unauthorized,” and “possession,” aligning with existing Title 18 definitions.
  • Procedural Aspects:
    • How charges would be filed and prosecuted in the courts.
    • Any sunset or review provisions (if included in the bill text).
    • Interaction with existing firearm offenses to avoid duplicative or overlapping charges.

Who/What is Affected

  • Individuals: Any person who accesses a firearm without proper authorization could become subject to criminal penalties under the new offense.
  • Facilities/Locations: Depending on drafting, could apply to access in homes, schools, workplaces, or other premises where firearms may be restricted or controlled.
  • Law Enforcement and Judiciary: Enforcement and adjudication of the new offense would involve police, district attorneys, and courts in Pennsylvania.
  • Possessors/Owners: Owners or custodians of firearms could be impacted if third parties access firearms without authorization.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Process: As a House bill, it would need passage by both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the governor’s signature to become law.
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date (e.g., upon enactment or a future date) and may include transitional provisions.
  • Implementation: Potential need for training, law enforcement guidance, and public education on the new offense and its penalties.

Practical Implications

  • Could close gaps in laws prohibiting unauthorized firearm access, especially in contexts involving minors, prohibited persons, or restricted premises.
  • May influence criminal justice outcomes by providing a distinct offense with tailored penalties.
  • Could interact with existing Pennsylvania firearm laws, gun safety regulations, and related child-access provisions.

Notes

  • The exact statutory language, definitions, penalties, and any exemptions or specific circumstances are not provided here. For a precise understanding, reading the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes, committee analyses, and amendments would be necessary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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