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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Sabatina |
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Sabatina bill strengthening penalty for possessing guns
with altered serial numbers passes House
HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. John Sabatina, D-Phila., said legislation he sponsored (H.B. 1845) that would strengthen the penalty for possessing a firearm with an altered serial number overwhelmingly passed the House today.
"This is the first meaningful legislation regarding the restriction of illegal firearms to pass the House in decades," Sabatina said. "We need to continue advancing these types of bills to catch criminals and improve safety for Pennsylvania residents."
Currently, altering or removing a firearm’s serial number is a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Possessing a gun with an altered serial number is only a first-degree misdemeanor. Under H.B. 1845, possessing an altered gun would also be classified as a second-degree felony. A conviction of false statements made in connection with the transfer or sale of a firearm would result in a third-degree felony.
"It can be harder for prosecutors to prove a defendant actually altered a serial number than it is to prove the defendant was in possession of the altered weapon," Sabatina said. "This bill would make it easier to put criminals who use guns with altered serial numbers behind bars."
The bill would require courts to apply the elevated penalties. Cases with sentences that do not carry these penalties would receive an appellate review and be moved to a sentencing court.
"Removing firearm serial numbers is one of the principal ways in which criminals try to hide their guilt in robberies, murders and other crimes," Sabatina said. "Strengthening criminal penalties in these instances would allow police and other law enforcement officials to make solid cases with the appropriate punishments attached."
The bill also would establish a state stolen firearms database and expand the statute of limitations for the crime to five years.
State police commissioners and county sheriffs would be exempt from registration requirements.
The legislation now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
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