Certain legally held weapons would fall outside Pennsylvania’s “offensive weapons” category

Certain firearms would fall outside the offensive weapons category when possession meets state and federal law. This exception covers machine guns, shotguns with barrels under 18 inches, and firearms specially made or adapted for concealment or silent firing. Possession must comply with Pennsylvania’s Chapter 61 firearm rules and applicable federal law, including the National Firearms Act where required. The provision would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Stun devices held in compliance with section 908.1 would fall outside the offensive weapons category. The exception covers stun guns, stun batons, Tasers, and other electric or electronic weapons. The self-defense provision allows reasonable force to defend a person or their property under Pennsylvania’s rules on justified force. The classification exception depends on compliance with section 908.1 as a whole. The provision would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.