Anti 'Ghost Gun' Legislation Gets Delco DA's Support

MEDIA, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently voted to advance legislation banning certain privately made firearms, AKA "ghost guns," and Delaware County's top prosecutor has lauded their efforts.

The Pennsylvania State House passed HB 777 on March 27 by a 104-97 vote.

The bill, introduced by State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta — both Philadelphia Democrats — requires anyone purchasing firearm assembly kits to undergo a background check, which is required for other kinds of firearm purchases.

Purveyor's of these kits will also be required to include a serial number on the components that make up the weapon, so the eventual firearm can be traced.

"This critically important legislation provides law enforcement with a desperately needed tool in the fight against illegal guns," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "Ghost guns are, first and foremost, lethal weapons—they can kill and maim just as effectively as any other firearm. For too long, the kits to create these weapons have been allowed to circulate without even minimal oversight. Sadly, members of law enforcement are confronted with the consequences of this loophole every day. We are enormously grateful to the leadership in the legislature for taking steps to bring Pennsylvania into line with other states in regulating these firearms."

These guns are designed and packaged to be assembled through kits and other individual parts without serial numbers, the DA's office said. They are easily assembled with common tools and sold without background checks.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe also backed the legislation, which is now in the hands of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Gov. Josh Shapiro urged the senate to pass the bill "to close the ghost gun loophole, help crack down on the violence in our communities, and make all Pennsylvanians safer.

"Ghost guns are dangerous, DIY weapons criminals can put together in their own home — and I've been fighting for legislation like this since I was Attorney General," Shapiro said.