An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for firearms not to be carried without a license, for licenses and for proof of license and exception.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 25 co-sponsors

HB 2599 would require firearm license possession to carry in public, tightening licensing rules and proof of licensure for vehicle carry in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Judiciary

Purpose and intent

HB 2599 seeks to amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically the chapter governing firearms and other dangerous articles.

The bill is framed as vehicle open carry legislation, with reforms related to carrying firearms without a license, licensing requirements, and proof of license and exceptions.

Key provisions and changes (as described in the bill’s title and subject)

Firearms not to be carried without a license: The bill would modify the existing requirements for carrying firearms to require possession of a license. Details are not provided in the summary text, but it suggests a tightening or clarification of who may carry a firearm and under what conditions.

Licenses: Revisions to the licensure framework for firearms, including who can obtain a license, how licenses are issued, renewals, and potential conditions or restrictions tied to license eligibility.

Proof of license and exceptions: Provisions clarifying how individuals must demonstrate they possess a valid license when carrying a firearm in public, as well as enumerating exceptions (contexts or categories where carrying without a license might be permissible or where exemptions apply).

Vehicle open carry: The memo indicates a focus on vehicle open carry, which may involve rules around carrying firearms in or on motor vehicles, including storage, transport, and related safety requirements.

Note: The available text does not include the full statutory language or the precise subsection-by-subsection changes. The above reflects the bill’s stated scope and subject as described in its title and sponsorship materials.

Who would be affected

Individuals who carry firearms in public or in vehicles in Pennsylvania, particularly those who would be subject to licensing requirements.

Prospective license applicants and current license holders, who would be subject to any changes in licensing criteria, issuance processes, renewals, and proof of licensure.

Law enforcement and judicial stakeholders responsible for enforcing firearm licensing and carrying provisions, as well as any administrative agencies overseeing licensing.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Status: Referred to the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on June 3, 2026.

Next steps: If advanced, the bill would move through the committee process, potential amendments, and then to the full House for a vote. If passed, it would proceed to the Senate and, ultimately, to the Governor for signature or veto.

No votes or committee hearing details are provided in the current available text.

Additional context

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Andrea Verbitsch (primary) with a broad list of co-sponsors from the Republican caucus.

The fiscal impact, specific text changes, and effective date are not included in the provided materials; these would be clarified in the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes released by the committee.

If you’d like, I can extract and summarize the exact statutory amendments once the full bill language (or a summary of changes) is available, and map out the specific penalties, license criteria, and any transitional provisions.

Bill