On Wednesday, 110 Republicans and one Democrat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives defeated an effort by 86 Democrats and one Republican to discharge HB 770 from the Judiciary Committee. The bill calls for the prohibition of the sale and possession of “assault weapons,” however an exception is made for
A person lawfully owning or otherwise possessing an
assault weapon before the effective date of this section.
There is nothing in the bill that would prohibit current owners from purchasing additional “assault weapons.”
Click here to read full text of HB-770.
The Tribune-Democrat reported that Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, Pennsylvania House Majority Leader, urged members to vote against suspending the rule, saying the “magnitude” of the legislation necessitates traditional vetting.
HB 770, which Benninghoff says needs additional “vetting,” was first referred to the Judiciary Committee on March 4, 2021.