SB 357 — An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 23 (Domestic Relations) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles; and making editorial changes.

PRINTER'S NO.   546

                   THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



                      SENATE BILL
                      No. 357
                                              Session of
                                                2025

     INTRODUCED BY DUSH, PHILLIPS-HILL, BARTOLOTTA, PENNYCUICK,
        ROTHMAN, KEEFER, GEBHARD, BROOKS, HUTCHINSON, YAW, STEFANO,
        ARGALL, J. WARD, COLEMAN AND LANGERHOLC, APRIL 4, 2025

     REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, APRIL 4, 2025


                                   AN ACT
 1   Amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 23 (Domestic
 2      Relations) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
 3      Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for the
 4      offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in
 5      court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles,
 6      further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm
 7      licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating
 8      to firearms not to be carried without a license and to
 9      carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for
10      license not required, further providing for prohibited
11      conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to
12      carrying firearms on public streets or public property in
13      Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and
14      further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of
15      firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and
16      exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for
17      relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for
18      cooperation after lawfully killing big game; in protection of
19      property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms
20      in vehicles; and making editorial changes.
21      The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
22          (1)   The laws in existence regulating firearms licensing
23      are ineffectual in preventing crime and only interfere with
24      the natural rights of law-abiding citizens.
25          (2)   It is necessary to codify the inherent right to the
26      carrying of firearms, whether openly or concealed, and that
 1      the right to self-defense is an inherent natural right that
 2      shall not be questioned as stated in section 21 of Article I
 3      of the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
 4      The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
 5   hereby enacts as follows:
 6      Section 1.     Sections 913(b)(3) and (e) and 6105.2(g)(1) of
 7   Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended
 8   to read:
 9   § 913.   Possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court
10                  facility.
11      * * *
12      (b)     Grading.--
13            * * *
14            (3)   An offense under subsection (a)(1) is a summary
15      offense if the person is a peace officer as defined in
16      section 501 (relating to definitions) and was carrying a
17      firearm under section [6106(b) (relating to firearms not to
18      be carried without a license) or] 6109 (relating to licenses)
19      and failed to check the firearm under subsection (e) prior to
20      entering the court facility.
21      * * *
22      (e)     Facilities for checking firearms or other dangerous
23   weapons.--Each county shall make available at or within the
24   building containing a court facility by July 1, 2002, lockers or
25   similar facilities at no charge or cost for the temporary
26   checking of firearms by peace officers as defined in section 501
27   and persons carrying firearms under section [6106(b) or] 6109 or
28   for the checking of other dangerous weapons that are not
29   otherwise prohibited by law. Any individual checking a firearm,
30   dangerous weapon or an item deemed to be a dangerous weapon at a

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 1   court facility must be issued a receipt. Notice of the location
 2   of the facility shall be posted as required under subsection
 3   (d).
 4      * * *
 5   § 6105.2.      Relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by
 6                  convicted persons.
 7      * * *
 8      (g)     Relinquishment of licenses.--
 9            (1)    A person convicted of a crime resulting in a firearm
10      disability pursuant to section 6105(c)(9) shall also
11      relinquish to the sheriff any firearm license issued under
12      section [6106 (relating to firearms not to be carried without
13      a license) or] 6109 (relating to licenses) or 23 Pa.C.S. §
14      6108.3 (relating to relinquishment to third party for
15      safekeeping).
16            * * *
17      Section 2.      Sections 6106 and 6106.1 of Title 18 are
18   repealed:
19   [§ 6106.    Firearms not to be carried without a license.
20      (a)     Offense defined.--
21            (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who
22      carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a
23      firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place
24      of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and
25      lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony
26      of the third degree.
27            (2)    A person who is otherwise eligible to possess a
28      valid license under this chapter but carries a firearm in any
29      vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or
30      about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place

20250SB0357PN0546                        - 3 -
 1      of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license and
 2      has not committed any other criminal violation commits a
 3      misdemeanor of the first degree.
 4      (b)   Exceptions.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not
 5   apply to:
 6            (1)   Constables, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens, or
 7      their deputies, policemen of this Commonwealth or its
 8      political subdivisions, or other law-enforcement officers.
 9            (2)   Members of the army, navy, marine corps, air force
10      or coast guard of the United States or of the National Guard
11      or organized reserves when on duty.
12            (3)   The regularly enrolled members of any organization
13      duly organized to purchase or receive such firearms from the
14      United States or from this Commonwealth.
15            (4)   Any persons engaged in target shooting with a
16      firearm, if such persons are at or are going to or from their
17      places of assembly or target practice and if, while going to
18      or from their places of assembly or target practice, the
19      firearm is not loaded.
20            (5)   Officers or employees of the United States duly
21      authorized to carry a concealed firearm.
22            (6)   Agents, messengers and other employees of common
23      carriers, banks, or business firms, whose duties require them
24      to protect moneys, valuables and other property in the
25      discharge of such duties.
26            (7)   Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing,
27      repairing, or dealing in firearms, or the agent or
28      representative of any such person, having in his possession,
29      using or carrying a firearm in the usual or ordinary course
30      of such business.

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 1        (8)    Any person while carrying a firearm which is not
 2    loaded and is in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase
 3    to his home or place of business, or to a place of repair,
 4    sale or appraisal or back to his home or place of business,
 5    or in moving from one place of abode or business to another
 6    or from his home to a vacation or recreational home or
 7    dwelling or back, or to recover stolen property under section
 8    6111.1(b)(4) (relating to Pennsylvania State Police), or to a
 9    place of instruction intended to teach the safe handling, use
10    or maintenance of firearms or back or to a location to which
11    the person has been directed to relinquish firearms under 23
12    Pa.C.S. § 6108 (relating to relief) or back upon return of
13    the relinquished firearm or to a licensed dealer's place of
14    business for relinquishment pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.2
15    (relating to relinquishment for consignment sale, lawful
16    transfer or safekeeping) or back upon return of the
17    relinquished firearm or to a location for safekeeping
18    pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.3 (relating to relinquishment
19    to third party for safekeeping) or back upon return of the
20    relinquished firearm.
21        (9)    Persons licensed to hunt, take furbearers or fish in
22    this Commonwealth, if such persons are actually hunting,
23    taking furbearers or fishing as permitted by such license, or
24    are going to the places where they desire to hunt, take
25    furbearers or fish or returning from such places.
26        (10)    Persons training dogs, if such persons are actually
27    training dogs during the regular training season.
28        (11)    Any person while carrying a firearm in any vehicle,
29    which person possesses a valid and lawfully issued license
30    for that firearm which has been issued under the laws of the

20250SB0357PN0546                 - 5 -
 1    United States or any other state.
 2        (12)     A person who has a lawfully issued license to carry
 3    a firearm pursuant to section 6109 (relating to licenses) and
 4    that said license expired within six months prior to the date
 5    of arrest and that the individual is otherwise eligible for
 6    renewal of the license.
 7        (13)     Any person who is otherwise eligible to possess a
 8    firearm under this chapter and who is operating a motor
 9    vehicle which is registered in the person's name or the name
10    of a spouse or parent and which contains a firearm for which
11    a valid license has been issued pursuant to section 6109 to
12    the spouse or parent owning the firearm.
13        (14)     A person lawfully engaged in the interstate
14    transportation of a firearm as defined under 18 U.S.C. §
15    921(a)(3) (relating to definitions) in compliance with 18
16    U.S.C. § 926A (relating to interstate transportation of
17    firearms).
18        (15)     Any person who possesses a valid and lawfully
19    issued license or permit to carry a firearm which has been
20    issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether
21    a reciprocity agreement exists between the Commonwealth and
22    the state under section 6109(k), provided:
23               (i)    The state provides a reciprocal privilege for
24        individuals licensed to carry firearms under section
25        6109.
26               (ii)    The Attorney General has determined that the
27        firearm laws of the state are similar to the firearm laws
28        of this Commonwealth.
29        (16)     Any person holding a license in accordance with
30    section 6109(f)(3).

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 1    (c)   Sportsman's firearm permit.--
 2          (1)   Before any exception shall be granted under
 3    paragraph (b)(9) or (10) of this section to any person 18
 4    years of age or older licensed to hunt, trap or fish or who
 5    has been issued a permit relating to hunting dogs, such
 6    person shall, at the time of securing his hunting, furtaking
 7    or fishing license or any time after such license has been
 8    issued, secure a sportsman's firearm permit from the county
 9    treasurer. The sportsman's firearm permit shall be issued
10    immediately and be valid throughout this Commonwealth for a
11    period of five years from the date of issue for any legal
12    firearm, when carried in conjunction with a valid hunting,
13    furtaking or fishing license or permit relating to hunting
14    dogs. The sportsman's firearm permit shall be in triplicate
15    on a form to be furnished by the Pennsylvania State Police.
16    The original permit shall be delivered to the person, and the
17    first copy thereof, within seven days, shall be forwarded to
18    the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police by the
19    county treasurer. The second copy shall be retained by the
20    county treasurer for a period of two years from the date of
21    expiration. The county treasurer shall be entitled to collect
22    a fee of not more than $6 for each such permit issued, which
23    shall include the cost of any official form. The Pennsylvania
24    State Police may recover from the county treasurer the cost
25    of any such form, but may not charge more than $1 for each
26    official permit form furnished to the county treasurer.
27          (2)   Any person who sells or attempts to sell a
28    sportsman's firearm permit for a fee in excess of that amount
29    fixed under this subsection commits a summary offense.
30    (d)   Revocation of registration.--Any registration of a

20250SB0357PN0546                  - 7 -
 1   firearm under subsection (c) of this section may be revoked by
 2   the county treasurer who issued it, upon written notice to the
 3   holder thereof.
 4      (e)   Definitions.--
 5            (1)    For purposes of subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (7) and
 6      (8), the term "firearm" shall include any weapon which is
 7      designed to or may readily be converted to expel any
 8      projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or
 9      receiver of the weapon.
10            (2)    As used in this section, the phrase "place of
11      instruction" shall include any hunting club, rifle club,
12      rifle range, pistol range, shooting range, the premises of a
13      licensed firearms dealer or a lawful gun show or meet.
14   § 6106.1.      Carrying loaded weapons other than firearms.
15      (a)   General rule.--Except as provided in Title 34 (relating
16   to game), no person shall carry a loaded pistol, revolver,
17   shotgun or rifle, other than a firearm as defined in section
18   6102 (relating to definitions), in any vehicle. The provisions
19   of this section shall not apply to persons excepted from the
20   requirement of a license to carry firearms under section 6106(b)
21   (1), (2), (5) or (6) (relating to firearms not to be carried
22   without a license) nor shall the provisions of this section be
23   construed to permit persons to carry firearms in a vehicle where
24   such conduct is prohibited by section 6106.
25      (b)   Penalty.--A person who violates the provisions of this
26   section commits a summary offense.]
27      Section 3.      Title 18 is amended by adding a section to read:
28   § 6106.2.      License not required.
29      (a)   Declaration.--Except when engaging in an activity
30   regulated by 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to game), every person present

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 1   in this Commonwealth who is not prohibited from possessing
 2   firearms under Federal law or the laws of this Commonwealth
 3   shall have an affirmative, fundamental and constitutional right
 4   to keep and bear firearms, including the right to carry openly
 5   or concealed, carry loaded or unloaded, train with, transport,
 6   possess, use, acquire, purchase, transfer, inherit, buy, sell,
 7   give or otherwise dispose of or receive any firearm without a
 8   license to carry a firearm of any kind from this Commonwealth or
 9   any of its political subdivisions.
10      (b)    Optional license.--Obtaining a license to carry a
11   firearm under this chapter shall be optional. The voluntary
12   nature of the license shall not be construed to require that any
13   person obtain a license to carry a firearm under this chapter.
14      (c)    Firearm.--As used in this section only, the term
15   "firearm" shall include any weapon which is designed to or may
16   readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an
17   explosive or the frame or receiver of the weapon.
18      Section 4.     Section 6107 of Title 18 is amended to read:
19   § 6107.    Prohibited conduct during emergency.
20      [(a)    General rule.--No person shall carry a firearm upon the
21   public streets or upon any public property during an emergency
22   proclaimed by a State or municipal governmental executive unless
23   that person is:
24             (1)   Actively engaged in a defense of that person's life
25      or property from peril or threat.
26             (2)   Licensed to carry firearms under section 6109
27      (relating to licenses) or is exempt from licensing under
28      section 6106(b) (relating to firearms not to be carried
29      without a license).]
30      (b)    Seizure, taking and confiscation.--[Except as otherwise

20250SB0357PN0546                     - 9 -
 1   provided under subsection (a) and notwithstanding]
 2   Notwithstanding the provisions of 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 (relating to
 3   Commonwealth services) or any other provision of law to the
 4   contrary, no firearm, accessory or ammunition may be seized,
 5   taken or confiscated during an emergency unless the seizure,
 6   taking or confiscation would be authorized absent the emergency.
 7      (c)     Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
 8   words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
 9   subsection:
10      "Accessory."      Any scope, sight, bipod, sling, light,
11   magazine, clip or other related item that is attached to or
12   necessary for the operation of a firearm.
13      "Firearm."      The term includes any weapon that is designed to
14   or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the
15   action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any weapon.
16      Section 5.      Section 6108 of Title 18 is repealed:
17   [§ 6108.    Carrying firearms on public streets or public property
18                  in Philadelphia.
19      No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time
20   upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of
21   the first class unless:
22            (1)    such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or
23            (2)    such person is exempt from licensing under section
24      6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried
25      without a license).]
26      Section 6.      Title 18 is amended by adding a section to read:
27   § 6108.1.      Sportsman's firearm permit.
28      (a)     Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to allow a
29   person to carry a firearm for the purpose of self-defense while
30   the person is engaged in an activity regulated by 34 Pa.C.S.

20250SB0357PN0546                      - 10 -
 1   (relating to game).
 2      (b)   Permit allowed.--Any person 18 years of age or older who
 3   has been issued a hunting license, trapping license or fishing
 4   license or who has been issued a permit relating to hunting dogs
 5   may, at the time of obtaining a hunting, trapping or fishing
 6   license or any time after the license has been issued, obtain a
 7   sportsman's firearm permit from the county treasurer.
 8      (c)   Issuance.--The sportsman's firearm permit shall be
 9   issued immediately and shall be valid throughout this
10   Commonwealth for a period of five years from the date of issue
11   for any legal firearm when carried in conjunction with a valid
12   hunting, furtaking or fishing license or permit relating to
13   hunting dogs.
14      (d)   Form.--The sportsman's firearm permit shall be in
15   triplicate on a form to be furnished by the Pennsylvania State
16   Police. The original permit shall be delivered to the person,
17   and a copy of the permit shall be forwarded to the Commissioner
18   of Pennsylvania State Police by the county treasurer within
19   seven days of the date of delivery. A copy of the permit shall
20   be retained by the county treasurer for a period of two years
21   from the date of expiration.
22      (e)   Fee.--The county treasurer may collect a fee of not more
23   than $6 for each permit issued, which shall include the cost of
24   any official form. The Pennsylvania State Police may recover
25   from the county treasurer the cost of the form, but may not
26   charge more than $1 for each official permit form furnished to
27   the county treasurer.
28      (f)   Offense.--A person who sells or attempts to sell a
29   sportsman's firearm permit for a fee in excess of the amount
30   determined under this section commits a summary offense.

20250SB0357PN0546                   - 11 -
 1      Section 7.     Sections 6109(a), (b), (c), (d) heading,
 2   introductory paragraph and (3), (e)(1) introductory paragraph,
 3   (i), (v) and (vii), (3)(ii) and (4), (f)(2) and (4), (g), (h)(3)
 4   and (4), (i.1) heading and (1), (j) and (m.1)(1) introductory
 5   paragraph and (ii), (2), (3), (4), (7) and (9), 6111(f)(3),
 6   6118(b) and 6122 of Title 18 are amended to read:
 7   § 6109.    Licenses.
 8      (a)    Purpose of license.--[A license to carry a firearm shall
 9   be for the purpose of carrying a firearm concealed on or about
10   one's person or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth.]
11             (1)   Due to every person present in this Commonwealth
12      having a fundamental constitutional right to keep and bear
13      arms, obtaining a license under this section shall be
14      optional. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
15      require that a person must obtain a license under this
16      section in order to carry a concealed firearm.
17             (2)   The voluntary nature of a license to carry a firearm
18      may not be construed to relieve the issuing authority of the
19      burden of proof for denying an application for a license.
20             (3)   A license to carry a firearm shall be available to
21      those who wish to carry a firearm openly or concealed on or
22      about one's person or in a vehicle and shall be valid
23      throughout this Commonwealth.
24             (4)   A license to carry a firearm shall provide a person
25      with the ability to carry a firearm in any state with which
26      the Commonwealth maintains a reciprocal agreement for the
27      mutual recognition of licenses to carry firearms.
28      (b)    Place of application.--An individual who is 21 years of
29   age or older may apply to [a sheriff] the proper issuing
30   authority for a license to carry a firearm [concealed on or

20250SB0357PN0546                     - 12 -
 1   about his person or in a vehicle] within this Commonwealth. If
 2   the applicant is a resident of this Commonwealth, he shall make
 3   application with the sheriff of the county in which he resides
 4   or, if a resident of a city of the first class, with the chief
 5   of police of that city. If the applicant is not a resident of
 6   this Commonwealth, he shall make application with the proper
 7   issuing authority of any county.
 8      (c)   Form of application and content.--The application and
 9   process for a license to carry a firearm shall be uniform
10   throughout this Commonwealth and shall be on a form prescribed
11   by the Pennsylvania State Police. The form may contain
12   provisions, not exceeding one page, to assure compliance with
13   this section. Issuing authorities shall use only the application
14   form prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police. One of the
15   following reasons for obtaining a firearm license shall be set
16   forth in the application: self-defense, employment, hunting and
17   fishing, target shooting, gun collecting or another proper
18   reason. The application form shall be dated and signed by the
19   applicant and shall contain the following statement:
20            I have never been convicted of a crime that prohibits me
21            from possessing or acquiring a firearm under Federal or
22            State law. I am of sound mind and have never been
23            involuntarily committed to a mental institution. In the
24            alternative my right to possess a firearm has been
25            legally restored. I hereby certify that the statements
26            contained herein are true and correct to the best of my
27            knowledge and belief. I understand that, if I knowingly
28            make any false statements herein, I am subject to
29            penalties prescribed by law. I authorize the [sheriff, or
30            his designee, or, in the case of first class cities, the

20250SB0357PN0546                   - 13 -
 1            chief or head of the police department] issuing
 2            authority, or his designee, to inspect only those records
 3            or documents relevant to information required for this
 4            application. If I am issued a license and knowingly
 5            become ineligible to legally possess or acquire firearms,
 6            I will promptly notify the [sheriff of the county in
 7            which I reside or, if I reside in a city of the first
 8            class, the chief of police of that city] issuing
 9            authority.
10      (d)   [Sheriff to conduct] Pre-issuance investigation.--The
11   [sheriff] issuing authority to whom the application is made
12   shall:
13            * * *
14            [(3)    investigate whether the applicant's character and
15      reputation are such that the applicant will not be likely to
16      act in a manner dangerous to public safety;]
17            * * *
18      (e)   Issuance of license.--
19            (1)    A license to carry a firearm shall be [for the
20      purpose of carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's
21      person or in a vehicle and shall be issued if,] issued after
22      an investigation not to exceed [45] 14 calendar days, [it
23      appears that the applicant is an individual concerning whom
24      no] unless good cause exists to deny the license. A license
25      shall not be issued to any of the following:
26                   [(i)    An individual whose character and reputation is
27            such that the individual would be likely to act in a
28            manner dangerous to public safety.]
29                   * * *
30                   (v)    An individual who is not of sound mind or who

20250SB0357PN0546                        - 14 -
 1          has ever been involuntarily committed to a mental
 2          institution[.], unless the involuntary commitment has
 3          been expunged, vacated or granted relief from a
 4          prohibition to possess a firearm.
 5                 * * *
 6                 [(vii)   An individual who is a habitual drunkard.]
 7                 * * *
 8          (3)    The license to carry a firearm shall be designed to
 9    be uniform throughout this Commonwealth and shall be in a
10    form prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police. The license
11    shall bear the following:
12                 * * *
13                 (ii)    The signature of the [sheriff] authority
14          issuing the license.
15                 * * *
16          (4)    The [sheriff] issuing authority shall require a
17    photograph of the licensee on the license. The photograph
18    shall be in a form compatible with the Commonwealth Photo
19    Imaging Network.
20          * * *
21    (f)   Term of license.--
22          * * *
23          (2)    At least 60 days prior to the expiration of each
24    license, the issuing [sheriff] authority shall send to the
25    licensee an application for renewal of license. Failure to
26    receive a renewal application shall not relieve a licensee
27    from the responsibility to renew the license.
28          * * *
29          [(4)    Possession of a license, together with a copy of
30    the person's military orders showing the dates of overseas

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 1      deployment, including the date that the overseas deployment
 2      ends, shall constitute, during the extension period specified
 3      in paragraph (3), a defense to any charge filed pursuant to
 4      section 6106 (relating to firearms not to be carried without
 5      a license) or 6108 (relating to carrying firearms on public
 6      streets or public property in Philadelphia).]
 7      (g)   Grant or denial of license.--Upon the receipt of an
 8   application for a license to carry a firearm, the [sheriff]
 9   issuing authority shall, within [45] 14 calendar days, issue or
10   refuse to issue a license on the basis of the investigation
11   under subsection (d) and the accuracy of the information
12   contained in the application. If the [sheriff] issuing authority
13   refuses to issue a license, the [sheriff] issuing authority
14   shall notify the applicant in writing of the refusal and the
15   specific reasons. The notice shall be sent by certified mail to
16   the applicant at the address set forth in the application.
17      (h)   Fee.--
18            * * *
19            (3)   An additional fee of $1 shall be paid by the
20      applicant for a license to carry a firearm and shall be
21      remitted by the [sheriff] issuing authority to the Firearms
22      License Validation System Account, which is hereby
23      established as a special restricted receipt account within
24      the General Fund of the State Treasury. The account shall be
25      used for purposes under subsection (l). Moneys credited to
26      the account and any investment income accrued are hereby
27      appropriated on a continuing basis to the Pennsylvania State
28      Police.
29            (4)   No fee other than that provided by this subsection
30      or the Sheriff Fee Act may be assessed by the [sheriff]

20250SB0357PN0546                    - 16 -
 1      issuing authority for the performance of any background check
 2      made pursuant to this act.
 3            * * *
 4      (i.1)   Notice to [sheriff] issuing authority.--
 5   Notwithstanding any statute to the contrary:
 6            (1)   Upon conviction of a person for a crime specified in
 7      section 6105(a) or (b) or upon conviction of a person for a
 8      crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year or upon a
 9      determination that the conduct of a person meets the criteria
10      specified in section 6105(c)(1), (2), (3), (5), (6) or (9),
11      the court shall determine if the defendant has a license to
12      carry firearms issued pursuant to this section. If the
13      defendant has such a license, the court shall notify the
14      [sheriff of the county in which that person resides] issuing
15      authority, on a form developed by the Pennsylvania State
16      Police, of the identity of the person and the nature of the
17      crime or conduct which resulted in the notification. The
18      notification shall be transmitted by the judge within seven
19      days of the conviction or determination.
20            * * *
21      (j)   Immunity.--[A sheriff] An issuing authority who complies
22   in good faith with this section shall be immune from liability
23   resulting or arising from the action or misconduct with a
24   firearm committed by any individual to whom a license to carry a
25   firearm has been issued.
26      * * *
27      (m.1)   Temporary emergency licenses.--
28            (1)   A person seeking a temporary emergency license to
29      carry a concealed firearm shall submit to the [sheriff]
30      issuing authority of the county in which the person resides

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 1    all of the following:
 2              * * *
 3              (ii)    A sworn affidavit that contains the information
 4        required on an application for a license to carry a
 5        firearm and attesting that the person is 21 years of age
 6        or older, is not prohibited from owning firearms under
 7        section 6105 [(relating to persons not to possess, use,
 8        manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms)] or any
 9        other Federal or State law and is not currently subject
10        to a protection from abuse order or a protection order
11        issued by a court of another state.
12              * * *
13        (2)   Upon receipt of the items required under paragraph
14    (1), the [sheriff] issuing authority immediately shall
15    conduct a criminal history, juvenile delinquency and mental
16    health record check of the applicant pursuant to section
17    6105. Immediately upon receipt of the results of the records
18    check, the [sheriff] issuing authority shall review the
19    information and shall determine whether the applicant meets
20    the criteria set forth in this subsection. If the [sheriff]
21    issuing authority determines that the applicant has met all
22    of the criteria, the [sheriff] issuing authority shall
23    immediately issue the applicant a temporary emergency license
24    to carry a concealed firearm.
25        (3)   If the [sheriff] issuing authority refuses to issue
26    a temporary emergency license, the [sheriff] issuing
27    authority shall specify the grounds for the denial in a
28    written notice to the applicant. The applicant may appeal the
29    denial or challenge criminal records check results that were
30    the basis of the denial, if applicable, in the same manner as

20250SB0357PN0546                   - 18 -
 1    a denial of a license to carry a firearm under this section.
 2        (4)   A temporary emergency license issued under this
 3    subsection shall be valid for [45] 14 days and may not be
 4    renewed. A person who has been issued a temporary emergency
 5    license under this subsection shall not be issued another
 6    temporary emergency license unless at least five years have
 7    expired since the issuance of the prior temporary emergency
 8    license. During the [45] 14 days the temporary emergency
 9    license is valid, the [sheriff] issuing authority shall
10    conduct an additional investigation of the person for the
11    purposes of determining whether the person may be issued a
12    license pursuant to this section. If, during the course of
13    this investigation, the [sheriff] issuing authority discovers
14    any information that would have prohibited the issuance of a
15    license pursuant to this section, the [sheriff] issuing
16    authority shall be authorized to revoke the temporary
17    emergency license as provided in subsection (i).
18        * * *
19        (7)   [A sheriff] An issuing authority who issues a
20    temporary emergency license to carry a firearm shall retain,
21    for the entire period during which the temporary emergency
22    license is in effect, the evidence of imminent danger that
23    the applicant submitted to the [sheriff] issuing authority
24    that was the basis for the license, or a copy of the
25    evidence, as appropriate.
26        * * *
27        (9)   Prior to the expiration of a temporary emergency
28    license, if the [sheriff] issuing authority has determined
29    pursuant to investigation that the person issued a temporary
30    emergency license is not disqualified and if the temporary

20250SB0357PN0546                 - 19 -
 1      emergency license has not been revoked pursuant to subsection
 2      (i), the [sheriff] issuing authority shall issue a license
 3      pursuant to this section that is effective for the balance of
 4      the five-year period from the date of the issuance of the
 5      temporary emergency license. Records and all other
 6      information, duties and obligations regarding such licenses
 7      shall be applicable as otherwise provided in this section.
 8             * * *
 9   § 6111.    Sale or transfer of firearms.
10      * * *
11      (f)    Application of section.--
12             * * *
13             (3)   The provisions contained in subsection (a) shall not
14      apply to [any law enforcement officer] a peace officer, as
15      defined in section 501 (relating to definitions) and
16      including an officer or employee of the United States duly
17      authorized to carry a concealed firearm, whose current
18      identification as a law enforcement officer shall be
19      construed as a valid license to carry a firearm or any person
20      who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm under
21      section 6109 (relating to licenses).
22             * * *
23   § 6118.    Antique firearms.
24      * * *
25      (b)    Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply [to the
26   extent that such antique firearms, reproductions or replicas of
27   firearms are concealed weapons as provided in section 6106
28   (relating to firearms not be carried without a license), nor
29   shall it apply] to the provisions of section 6105 (relating to
30   persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or

20250SB0357PN0546                     - 20 -
 1   transfer firearms) if such antique firearms, reproductions or
 2   replicas of firearms are suitable for use.
 3      * * *
 4   § 6122.    Proof of license and exception.
 5      (a)    General rule.--[When] Except as provided in subsection
 6   (b), when carrying a firearm [concealed] as prohibited by 34
 7   Pa.C.S. (relating to game) and only permissible with a license
 8   issued under section 6108.1 (relating to sportsman's firearm
 9   permit) on or about one's person or in a vehicle, an individual
10   licensed to carry a firearm shall, upon lawful demand of a law
11   enforcement officer, produce the license for inspection. Failure
12   to produce [such] the license either at the time of arrest or at
13   the preliminary hearing shall create a rebuttable presumption of
14   nonlicensure.
15      (b)    Exception.--[An]
16             (1)   Subject to paragraph (2), an individual carrying a
17      firearm on or about [his] the individual's person or in a
18      vehicle and claiming an exception [under section 6106(b)
19      (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license)]
20      regarding a separate license for the firearm shall, upon
21      lawful demand of a law enforcement officer, produce
22      satisfactory evidence of qualification for exception.
23             (2)   This subsection applies to the following:
24                   (i)    A constable, sheriff, prison or jail warden, or
25             a deputy of the constable, sheriff or prison or jail
26             wardens, a policeman of this Commonwealth or any of its
27             political subdivisions or any other law enforcement
28             officer.
29                   (ii)   A member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air
30             Force or Coast Guard of the United States or of the

20250SB0357PN0546                        - 21 -
 1        National Guard or organized reserves when on duty.
 2             (iii)    The regularly enrolled member of an
 3        organization duly organized to purchase or receive
 4        firearms from the United States or from this
 5        Commonwealth.
 6             (iv)    A person engaged in target shooting with a
 7        firearm, if the person is at or is going to or from the
 8        place of assembly or target practice and if, while going
 9        to or from the place of assembly or target practice, the
10        firearm is not loaded.
11             (v)    An officer or employee of the United States duly
12        authorized to carry a concealed firearm.
13             (vi)    An agent, messenger or other employee of a
14        common carrier, bank or business firm, whose duties
15        require the protection of money, valuables and other
16        property in the discharge of duties.
17             (vii)    A person engaged in the business of
18        manufacturing, repairing or dealing in firearms, or the
19        agent or representative of the person, having in the
20        person's possession, using or carrying a firearm in the
21        usual or ordinary course of the business.
22             (viii)    A person while carrying a firearm which is
23        not loaded and is in a secure wrapper from the place of
24        purchase to the person's home or place of business, or to
25        a place of repair, sale or appraisal or back to the
26        person's home or place of business, or in moving from one
27        place of abode or business to another or from the
28        person's home to a vacation or recreational home or
29        dwelling or back, or to recover stolen property under
30        section 6111.1(b)(4) (relating to Pennsylvania State

20250SB0357PN0546                  - 22 -
 1        Police), or to a place of instruction intended to teach
 2        the safe handling, use or maintenance of firearms or back
 3        or to a location to which the person has been directed to
 4        relinquish firearms under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108 (relating to
 5        relief) or back upon return of the relinquished firearm
 6        or to a licensed dealer's place of business for
 7        relinquishment in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.2
 8        (relating to relinquishment for consignment sale, lawful
 9        transfer or safekeeping) or back upon return of the
10        relinquished firearm or to a location for safekeeping in
11        accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.3 (relating to
12        relinquishment to third party for safekeeping) or back
13        upon return of the relinquished firearm.
14             (ix)    A person licensed to hunt, take furbearers or
15        fish in this Commonwealth, if the person is actually
16        hunting, taking furbearers or fishing as permitted by the
17        license, or is going to the place where the person
18        desires to hunt, take furbearers or fish or returning
19        from the place.
20             (x)    A person training dogs, if the person is
21        actually training dogs during the regular training
22        season.
23             (xi)    A person while carrying a firearm in a vehicle,
24        which person possesses a valid and lawfully issued
25        license for that firearm which has been issued under the
26        laws of the United States or any other state.
27             (xii)    A person who has a lawfully issued license to
28        carry a firearm in accordance with section 6109 and that
29        license expired within six months prior to the date of
30        arrest and that the individual is otherwise eligible for

20250SB0357PN0546                  - 23 -
 1        renewal of the license.
 2              (xiii)       A person who is otherwise eligible to possess
 3        a firearm under this chapter and who is operating a motor
 4        vehicle which is registered in the person's name or the
 5        name of a spouse or parent and which contains a firearm
 6        for which a valid license has been issued in accordance
 7        with section 6109 to the spouse or parent owning the
 8        firearm.
 9              (xiv)    A person lawfully engaged in the interstate
10        transportation of a firearm as defined under 18 U.S.C. §
11        921(a)(3) (relating to definitions) in compliance with 18
12        U.S.C. § 926A (relating to interstate transportation of
13        firearms).
14              (xv)    A person who possesses a valid and lawfully
15        issued license or permit to carry a firearm which has
16        been issued under the laws of another state, regardless
17        of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the
18        Commonwealth and the state under section 6109(k),
19        provided:
20                     (A)    The state provides a reciprocal privilege
21              for individuals licensed to carry firearms under
22              section 6109.
23                     (B)    The Attorney General has determined that the
24              firearm laws of the state are similar to the firearm
25              laws of this Commonwealth.
26              (xvi)    A person holding a license in accordance with
27        section 6109(f)(3).
28        (3)   As follows:
29              (i)    For purposes of paragraph (2)(iii), (iv), (v),
30        (vii) and (viii), the term "firearm" includes a weapon

20250SB0357PN0546                      - 24 -
 1             that is designed to or may readily be converted to expel
 2             a projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame
 3             or receiver of the weapon.
 4                   (ii)   For purposes of paragraph (2), the phrase
 5             "place of instruction" includes a hunting club, rifle
 6             club, rifle range, pistol range, shooting range, the
 7             premises of a licensed firearms dealer or a lawful gun
 8             show or meet.
 9      Section 8.       Section 6108(a)(7) introductory paragraph of
10   Title 23 is amended to read:
11   § 6108.    Relief.
12      (a)    General rule.--Subject to subsection (a.1), the court
13   may grant any protection order or approve any consent agreement
14   to bring about a cessation of abuse of the plaintiff or minor
15   children. The order or agreement may include:
16             * * *
17             (7)     Prohibiting the defendant from acquiring or
18      possessing any firearm for the duration of the order,
19      ordering the defendant to temporarily relinquish to the
20      sheriff or the appropriate law enforcement agency any
21      firearms under the defendant's possession or control, and
22      requiring the defendant to relinquish to the sheriff or the
23      appropriate law enforcement agency any firearm license issued
24      under section 6108.3 (relating to relinquishment to third
25      party for safekeeping) or 18 Pa.C.S. § [6106 (relating to
26      firearms not to be carried without a license) or] 6108.1
27      (relating to sportsman's firearm permit) or 6109 (relating to
28      licenses the defendant may possess. The court may also order
29      the defendant to relinquish the defendant's other weapons or
30      ammunition that have been used or been threatened to be used

20250SB0357PN0546                       - 25 -
 1      in an incident of abuse against the plaintiff or the minor
 2      children. A copy of the court's order shall be transmitted to
 3      the chief or head of the appropriate law enforcement agency
 4      and to the sheriff of the county of which the defendant is a
 5      resident. When relinquishment is ordered, the following shall
 6      apply:
 7                   * * *
 8      Section 9.      Sections 2325(a.1), 2503(b)(3) and 2525(a) of
 9   Title 34 are amended to read:
10   § 2325.    Cooperation after lawfully killing big game.
11      * * *
12      (a.1)    Exception.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit any
13   person from carrying a loaded handgun in the field provided that
14   person is in compliance with 18 Pa.C.S. § [6109 (relating to
15   licenses)] 6108.1 (relating to sportsman's firearm permit).
16      * * *
17   § 2503.    Loaded firearms in vehicles.
18      * * *
19      (b)    Exceptions.--This section shall not be construed to
20   apply to:
21             * * *
22             (3)   A person carrying a loaded pistol or revolver when
23      in possession of a valid firearms license issued by the chief
24      or head of any police force or the sheriff of a county when
25      the license is issued for protection under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61
26      Subch. A (relating to Uniform Firearms Act) or issued under
27      18 Pa.C.S. § 6108.1 (relating to sportsman's firearm permit).
28             * * *
29   § 2525.    Possession of firearm for protection of self or others.
30      (a)    General rule.--It is lawful for a law enforcement

20250SB0357PN0546                     - 26 -
1   officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a
2   firearm issued under 18 Pa.C.S. § [6109 (relating to licenses)]
3   6108.1 (relating to sportsman's firearm permit) to be in
4   possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any
5   activity regulated by this title.
6      * * *
7      Section 10.   This act shall take effect in 60 days.




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