Bill > HB604

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to establish a comprehensive process for handling confiscated or recovered firearms by law enforcement agencies. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement to make reasonable efforts to identify and return firearms to their lawful owners within 120 days. If the owner cannot be identified or is prohibited from possessing the firearm, the agencies are now mandated to destroy these firearms by melting them at smelting plants within Pennsylvania. The bill introduces detailed procedural requirements for firearm destruction, including creating a detailed registry that tracks each firearm's serial number, make, model, date of possession, and destruction date. Law enforcement agencies must store firearms in sealed containers with limited access, and must destroy the firearms no later than 180 days after acquisition, with destructions occurring at least quarterly. The bill also clarifies that firearms cannot be destroyed if they are evidence in ongoing investigations or legal proceedings. Additionally, the legislation prohibits law enforcement agencies from selling confiscated firearms and ensures that if a court finds an agency has failed to follow these procedures, the lawful owner may be awarded reasonable attorney fees.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=604