Pennsylvania SB 559: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and for possession of firearm by minor; and making editorial changes.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 551
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 559
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY KANE, COLLETT, SAVAL, KEARNEY, COMITTA, HAYWOOD,
SCHWANK, COSTA, TARTAGLIONE AND MUTH, APRIL 4, 2025
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, APRIL 4, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous
articles, further providing for definitions and for
possession of firearm by minor; and making editorial changes.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 6102 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions to read:
§ 6102. Definitions.
Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent
provisions of this subchapter which are applicable to specific
provisions of this subchapter, the following words and phrases,
when used in this subchapter shall have, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this
section:
"Assault weapon." Any of the following:
(1) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept
a detachable 44 magazine and has at least one of the
following characteristics:
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(i) A part or combination of parts designed and
intended to accelerate the rate of fire of the
semiautomatic firearm to simulate the rate of fire of a
machinegun.
(ii) A folding or telescoping stock.
(iii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the semiautomatic rifle.
(iv) A thumbhole stock, a second handgrip or a
protruding grip that can be held by the nontrigger hand.
(v) A bayonet mount, a flash suppressor, muzzle
break or muzzle compensator.
(vi) A threaded barrel designed to accommodate a
flash suppressor, muzzle break or muzzle compensator.
(vii) A grenade launcher.
(2) A semiautomatic shotgun that has at least one of the
following characteristics:
(i) A folding or telescoping stock.
(ii) A thumbhole stock.
(iii) A second handgrip or a protruding grip that
can be held by the nontrigger hand.
(iv) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of seven
rounds.
(v) An ability to accept a detachable magazine.
(vi) A revolving cylinder.
* * *
"Machinegun." As defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (relating to
definitions).
"Peace officer." Any of the following:
(1) A person who by virtue of the person's office or
public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain
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public order or make arrests for criminal offenses, whether
the duty extends to all criminal offenses or is limited to
specific criminal offenses.
(2) A person on active State duty under 51 Pa.C.S. § 508
(relating to active duty for emergency).
(3) A member of a park police department of a county of
the third class.
* * *
"Weapon-carrying officer." A county probation or parole
officer who is authorized to carry a weapon in connection with
performance of the duties of the officer's employment.
Section 2. Sections 6105(b), 6110.1 and 6115(b)(1)(iv)(B) of
Title 18 are amended to read:
§ 6105. Persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell
or transfer firearms.
* * *
(b) Enumerated offenses.--The following offenses shall apply
to subsection (a):
Section 908 (relating to prohibited offensive weapons).
Section 911 (relating to corrupt organizations).
Section 912 (relating to possession of weapon on school
property).
Section 2502 (relating to murder).
Section 2503 (relating to voluntary manslaughter).
Section 2504 (relating to involuntary manslaughter) if
the offense is based on the reckless use of a firearm.
Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault).
Section 2703 (relating to assault by prisoner).
Section 2704 (relating to assault by life prisoner).
Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking).
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Section 2716 (relating to weapons of mass destruction).
Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping).
Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint).
Section 2910 (relating to luring a child into a motor
vehicle or structure).
Section 3121 (relating to rape).
Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual
intercourse).
Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault).
Section 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses).
Section 3302 (relating to causing or risking
catastrophe).
Section 3502 (relating to burglary).
Section 3503 (relating to criminal trespass) if the
offense is graded a felony of the second degree or higher.
Section 3701 (relating to robbery).
Section 3702 (relating to robbery of motor vehicle).
Section 3921 (relating to theft by unlawful taking or
disposition) upon conviction of the second felony offense.
Section 3923 (relating to theft by extortion) when the
offense is accompanied by threats of violence.
Section 3925 (relating to receiving stolen property) upon
conviction of the second felo