Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that the new federal rule aimed at cracking down on ghost guns and keeping weapons out of the hands of criminals goes into effect today.
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Federally licensed firearms dealers in Pennsylvania that sell or distribute partially completed frames or receivers (PCFRs) that would allow a person to build a gun at home are now required to conduct background checks before selling or transferring those parts, which will be completed by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
“Gun deaths are at an all-time high across the nation and right here in Pennsylvania,†said Governor Wolf.
“We can prevent some of this tragedy by keeping weapons out of the hands of those who can’t pass a background check. Today, thanks to the Biden Administration, we are able to do just that – if you can’t pass a background check to purchase a fully assembled gun, you also won’t be able to purchase the PCFRs to build your own gun at home. This is long overdue, and we’re ready to implement this rule in Pennsylvania immediately.â€
The final rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives takes effect today. The final rule implements several changes, including changes to the definition of “frame or receiver.â€
In addition, the changes in the final rule require federally licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks on purchasers and transferees before selling or transferring PCFRs.
In accordance with its role as the state and federal point of contact for dealers to conduct the required federal background checks, the PSP will conduct the newly required background checks for dealers.
Ghost guns have been recognized as a fast-growing safety concern for the United States. In recognition of this, the PSP began officially tracking seizure of and recovery of ghost guns from crime scenes in 2021.
Philadelphia began tracking these same numbers in 2019. Philadelphia recorded 95 seizures and recoveries in 2019, 250 in 2020, and a startling 571 in 2021. PSP recorded 24 seizures and recoveries in 2021. Combined, PSP and Philadelphia have recorded 334 to date in 2022.
In his final budget, Governor Wolf committed $160 million to preventing violence in Pennsylvania communities. ■