Harrisburg, PA − March 28, 2024 − Today, Senator Hughes applauded new ghost gun legislation that passed in the State House. House Bill 777, sponsored by Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, would impose felony charges on anyone who sells or purchases a firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers, otherwise known as ghost guns.
Senator Hughes shared the following statement in support of the legislation:
“I’m pleased to see the House of Representatives send the Senate another important piece of gun safety legislation. The use of ghost guns in Philadelphia has grown by 311% since 2019, which means more untraceable and unregistered guns in our communities. We must act to put an end to ghost guns.
Lawmakers should be taking every measure we can to stop senseless gun violence and keep guns away from individuals who intend to cause harm. HB777 is another commonsense gun law that would benefit all communities and make Pennsylvania safer.
The House has now sent the Senate this ghost gun bill and legislation that would establish red flag laws and universal background checks in Pennsylvania. We also have Senate Bill 49 to address ghost guns and Senate Bill 695 to address straw purchasing.
Most of these commonsense gun safety laws are one step away from becoming a reality in Pennsylvania. We are one step away from preventing senseless violence, death, and trauma. We are so close to establishing these safety protections that a majority of Pennsylvanians support.
I remain ready to vote ‘yes’ on these bills because the people of Pennsylvania want and deserve this change. I encourage my Senate Republican colleagues to join us in our fight to end gun violence by bringing these bills up for a vote on the floor of the Senate.”
