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Making It Easier to Enforce Gun Laws in Philly

Official:Amending Section 10-810 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Weapons and Dangerous Devices,” by revising and clarifying unlawful weapons and dangerous devices and unlawful conduct, and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions

Sponsor: Councilmember Young

Introduced: May 15, 2025

: Committee on Public Safety

public safety

Plain-Language Summary

This bill proposes to amend a section of Philadelphia's code related to weapons and dangerous devices, clarifying what is considered unlawful.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Revises the definition of "air guns, bows and arrows, and other similar devices" to specifically include air rifles and pistols, compressed air rifles and pistols, and other devices that impel a shot, dart, or pellet with force.
Prohibits the sale, offer for sale at retail, or use of air guns, spring guns, and other similar devices not a firearm, regardless of whether they are used for their intended purpose.
Prohibits the sale of bows and arrows, crossbows, blowguns, slingshots, and peashooters to anyone under the age of 21, unless the seller first obtains written evidence of parental consent to the proposed purchase.
Imposes additional penalties for selling or offering for sale at retail to a minor any air gun, spring gun, or other similar device.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill is a crucial step towards public safety by strictly regulating the sale and use of potentially lethal air guns, bows, and arrows. By expanding the definition of these devices and prohibiting their sale to minors without parental consent, the bill protects young people from the risk of accidents and misuse. This legislation will also hold irresponsible sellers accountable for endangering minors, helping to prevent devastating consequences.

The case against

This bill would impose significant costs on local businesses, requiring them to implement new measures to verify the age of customers and store employees, which would be a significant burden on small businesses. The prohibition on the sale of certain air guns and devices would eliminate a common and inexpensive recreational option for law-abiding citizens, and the increased penalties for selling to minors would likely lead to job losses and increased insurance costs for retailers. The expansion of prohibited devices would also set a precedent for further regulations on personal property and freedoms, potentially leading to a slippery slope of increasing government control over individual choices.

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