Pennsylvania Hops Aboard the Assault Weapon Ban Bandwagon

Published on February 17, 2024
Duration: 9:21

This analysis from Washington Gun Law, presented by President William Kirk, details Pennsylvania House Bill 336, which proposes a broad 'single feature design ban' on firearms. The bill defines assault weapons based on specific features rather than just make and model, impacting semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Kirk highlights the potential for this legislation to be part of a larger trend of state-level firearm restrictions.

Quick Summary

Pennsylvania House Bill 336 introduces a 'single feature design ban' for assault weapons, impacting semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns based on specific features. It also targets conversion parts and magazines over 10 rounds, though grandfathering is included. Passage is considered unlikely due to legislative control.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Pennsylvania Assault Weapon Ban
  2. 00:14Other State Bans: VA, MN, CO
  3. 00:56Pennsylvania House Bill 336 Overview
  4. 01:59Prohibited Activities Under HB 336
  5. 02:39Broadened Definition of Assault Weapon
  6. 03:58HB 336 Definition: Assault Rifles
  7. 05:02HB 336 Definition: Assault Pistols
  8. 06:10HB 336 Definition: Assault Shotguns
  9. 06:45Parts Ban and Magazine Capacity Limits
  10. 07:33Likelihood of HB 336 Passage
  11. 08:12Trend and Warning for Gun Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pennsylvania House Bill 336?

Pennsylvania House Bill 336 proposes a significant expansion of the definition of 'assault weapon' through a 'single feature design ban.' This means firearms could be banned based on possessing specific features, not just their make or model, impacting rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

How does HB 336 define an assault weapon?

HB 336 defines assault weapons broadly. For rifles, it's a semi-automatic with a detachable magazine and two specific features. For pistols, it's a semi-automatic with a detachable magazine and two features like a magazine outside the grip or a threaded barrel. Shotguns also have a similar two-feature criteria.

What other restrictions does Pennsylvania HB 336 include?

Beyond defining specific firearms as assault weapons, HB 336 also targets parts or combinations of parts designed to convert firearms into assault weapons. Additionally, it proposes a ban on magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds, though grandfathering provisions are included for existing owners.

What is the likelihood of Pennsylvania HB 336 becoming law?

The likelihood of HB 336 passing is considered remote. While the Democratic party controls the House and the governor's office, the Republican party holds a majority in the Senate, creating a legislative stalemate for this type of bill.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →