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Bill

HB 983

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms and for sale or transfer of firearms and providing for Gun Violence Task Force in cities of the first class.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Bonner and 5 co-sponsors

HB 983 expands Pennsylvania firearm possession restrictions, regulates sales/transfers, and creates a Gun Violence Task Force for major cities to address urban gun violence.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 983

Legislative bill overview

HB 983 amends Pennsylvania's firearms laws by expanding restrictions on who can possess, use, manufacture, or transfer firearms, and modifies regulations around firearm sales and transfers. The bill also establishes a Gun Violence Task Force specifically for Pennsylvania's first-class cities (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh).

Why is this important

Firearm regulations directly affect public safety outcomes, individual rights, and law enforcement practices. The creation of a task force dedicates resources to addressing gun violence in high-population urban areas where such violence is concentrated, while expanded restrictions could significantly alter who legally owns firearms in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope of prohibited persons: The bill references "further providing" for prohibited persons but specific criteria aren't detailed in the summary—this leaves unclear which groups face new restrictions and whether they're based on criminal history, mental health, domestic violence, or other factors
  • Task Force authority and funding: Questions remain about the task Force's enforcement power, budget requirements, and whether its recommendations would be binding or advisory to local governments
  • Second Amendment balance: Firearm rights advocates may argue expanded restrictions infringe on constitutional rights, while public safety advocates may contend they don't go far enough

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

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