Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General  

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General thanks the Biden-Harris administration for implementing a new federal rule that closes the Gun Show loophole by expanding firearms requirements and background checks.

Almost thirty years ago, Pennsylvania closed the unlicensed sale loophole for handguns by requiring background checks on all handgun sales in the state. However, this loophole in other states enabled gun trafficking and the use of guns used in crimes in Pennsylvania.

This loophole enabled people to sell guns without background checks if they were not considered “dealers,” which often resulted in sales at gun shows and online.

People took advantage of this loophole and were able to buy firearms in other states, then bring them into the Commonwealth, endangering our communities.

We welcome the expanded federal requirements, all of which aim to keep our communities safe.