HARRISBURG, PA – State Representatives Benjamin Sanchez and Aerion Abney are preparing to introduce legislation that would ban the future sale and transfer of assault-style weapons in Pennsylvania following a year marked by hundreds of mass shootings across the country.
The Democratic lawmakers circulated a memo to House members outlining the proposal, citing more than 480 mass shooting incidents nationwide in 2024 and a pattern of high-capacity semi-automatic rifles being used in several of the most devastating attacks.
The measure would prohibit the sale, purchase, transfer, use, or manufacture of assault weapons in the Commonwealth, while allowing current lawful owners to retain their firearms.
Under the proposal, exemptions would apply to active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, National Guard, and law enforcement officers performing official duties or traveling to and from duty assignments.
Sanchez and Abney said the intent of the legislation is to curb violence and prevent future mass casualty events linked to high-powered rifles modeled after the AR-15.
Lawmakers cite public safety and past tragedies
In their memo, the sponsors pointed to past mass shootings in Uvalde, Newtown, Parkland, Orlando, Sutherland Springs, and Pittsburgh, all of which involved similar firearms. They said Pennsylvania has lagged behind other states that have enacted bans or restrictions on assault-style weapons.
The lawmakers described their bill as a necessary step to protect communities from recurring acts of mass violence and to “prevent additional devastation that has caused pain to countless families.”
Proposal expected to face strong opposition
Gun rights advocates are expected to challenge the measure, arguing it infringes on Second Amendment protections and would do little to deter crime. Republican lawmakers have historically opposed such bans, making the bill’s path uncertain in the divided General Assembly.
Democratic leaders, however, have renewed calls for firearm restrictions following a spike in gun-related deaths and shootings involving semi-automatic rifles across the state.
Key Points
- Reps. Benjamin Sanchez and Aerion Abney to introduce bill banning future sales and transfers of assault-style weapons.
- Exemptions apply to law enforcement and military personnel on duty.
- Proposal aims to reduce mass shootings but faces likely partisan resistance in Harrisburg.