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April 05, 2024
By Mark Chesnut
Legislation that would ban homemade and 3D-printed firearms in Pennsylvania has been approved by the state House. The measure, HB 777 , which targets unserialized firearms, parts and accessories, was referred to as the “Ghost Gun” bill and was passed by the House on a 104-to-97 vote. According to the text of the measure: “A person who sells or otherwise transfers any of the following, separately or as part of a firearm kit, not imprinted with a serial number registered with a Federal firearms licensee, commits a felony of the third degree: (i) a firearm frame or receiver; (ii) a firearm muffler or silencer frame or receiver; (iii) a split or modular firearm frame or receiver; or (iv) a partially complete, disassembled or inoperable firearm frame or receiver.”
The measure further states: “A person who, with the purpose to manufacture or otherwise assemble a firearm and without being registered or licensed to do so under 18 U.S.C. § 923(a) (relating to licensing), purchases or otherwise obtains separately or as part of a firearm kit any of the following that is not imprinted with a serial number registered with a Federal firearms licensee, commits a felony of the second degree: (i) a firearm frame or receiver; (ii) a firearm muffler or silencer frame or receiver; (iii) a split or modular firearm frame or receiver; or (iv) a partially complete, disassembled or inoperable firearm frame or receiver.”
In Pennsylvania, a third-degree felony can carry a prison term of up to seven years and a fine up to $15,000. A second-degree felony can carry a prison term up to 10 years along with a fine up to $25,000. Gun Owners of America’s Pennsylvania leaders are working to head off the legislation, which they say is being grossly misrepresented by those pushing the measure.
“The ‘justification’ for HB 777 is the alleged uptick in crime in Philadelphia,” the group said in an alert to members. “But the problem in Philly isn’t unserialized gun parts, it’s the failure of DA Larry Krasner to prosecute criminals.”
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After the measure was passed by the House, GOA sent out another alert informing members about a few turncoat Republicans who had supported the bill.
“The vote was largely on party lines, with pro-gun Democrat Frank Burns voting no,” the alert stated. “However, three anti-gun Republicans violated your constitutional rights again by voting to pass HB 777.”
Republican lawmakers voting for the measure were Joe Hogan, K.C. Tomlinson and Martina White.
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“Joe Hogan (R-142) and K.C. Tomlinson (R-18) previously voted for Universal Registration Checks and Red Flag Gun Confiscation Orders in 2023,” the alert stated. “Martina White (R-170) voted for Universal Registration Checks in 2023. All now have an “F” grade from GOA.”
The measure now goes to the state Senate, where Republicans hold a 28-to-22 majority. Pro-gun senators must put a stop to the measure in the Senate, as Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro has already shown support for several anti-gun measures in his short tenure as governor.
About the Author Freelance writer and editor Mark Chesnut is the owner/editorial director at Red Setter Communications LLC. An avid hunter, shooter and political observer, he has been covering Second Amendment issues and politics on a near-daily basis for nearly 25 years.
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