Pennsylvania SB1503: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.

What the bill says

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.

From the introduced text, October 15, 2026:

Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Sections 908(b)(1) and (c) and 908.1(b) of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended to read: § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons. * * * (b) Exceptions.-- (1) It is a defense under this section for the defendant to prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed or dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic performance, [or that, with the exception of a bomb, grenade or incendiary device, he complied with the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.),] or that he possessed it briefly in consequence of having found it or taken it from an aggressor, or under circumstances similarly negativing any intent or likelihood that the weapon would be used unlawfully. * * * (c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: "Firearm." Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Judith Ward (R, 30) · primary sponsor
• Greg Rothman (R, 34)
• Kristin Phillips-Hill (R, 28)
• Doug Mastriano (R, 33)
• Chris Gebhard (R, 48)
• Gene Yaw (R, 23)
• Cris Dush (R, 25)
• Patrick Stefano (R, 32)
• Scott Hutchinson (R, 21)

Latest actions

1. October 15, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 15, 2026

Common questions

What is SB1503?

SB1503 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.

What does SB1503 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons and for use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.

What is the status of SB1503?

In committee as of October 15, 2026. Latest action: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 15, 2026 (October 15, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1503?

Judith Ward (R, 30), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1503?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1503