Pennsylvania GOP defectors push gun control bill across finish line in state House

Published October 1, 2025 11:20am ET



Five Republicans crossed party lines on Tuesday to pass a bill in the Pennsylvania state House mandating universal background checks for gun purchases. 

The state currently only requires background checks when someone purchases a handgun, according to Democratic State Rep. Perry Warren. He introduced legislation that would expand the gun control regulations to include background checks for the sale and transfer of rifles and shotguns. 

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