HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – New legislation passed by the Pennsylvania State House with bipartisan support would prohibit the purchase, sale and production of parts for so-called “ghost guns,” which are unregulated and un-serialized firearms that anyone can buy without a background check or license.

House Bill 777 would change that — it passed 104-97, with three Republicans voting for it, and one Democrat voting against it. Lawmakers and advocates stress that the bill does not make the guns illegal.

“All we are saying is that you have to follow the same existing laws as every other gun purchase, like getting a background check and have it serialized,” Adam Garber with Ceasefire PA said.

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Gun control advocates like Garber believe “ghost guns” are becoming the weapon of choice for violent criminals, and that the lack of serial numbers make it harder for police to track down perpetrators.

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“This is a step towards closing that gap in our system,” Garber said.

The Pennsylvania Firearms Association argues the bill will not deter crime, and is an overreach.

“When you have government trying to regulate the ability for the people to maintain their freedom, that becomes a problem,” Chris Dorr with the association said. “They’re only passing a law that affects the good people, not the bad people.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro has voiced his support for the bill, taking to X to urge the Republican majority in the Senate to pass it.

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