A bill seeking to ban “machine gun conversion devices,” also known as “Glock switches,” was defeated in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday. The vote, nearly along party lines, came after hours of emotional and intense debate, and ultimately failed by a single vote—handed to Republicans by a Democrat crossing the aisle.
The proposed legislation aimed to prohibit devices that convert standard semi-automatic pistols into weapons capable of firing over 1,000 rounds per minute. Democrats argued the devices pose a serious public safety threat. Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Cheswick, cited the 2023 shooting death of Brackenridge Borough Police Chief Justin McIntire as an example of the deadly potential these devices carry.
Steele claimed widespread support from law enforcement, saying, “Every single police officer that I know wants a state-level ban on these devices.”
Republican lawmakers opposed the measure, citing constitutional protections under the Second Amendment and the Pennsylvania Constitution. They argued the bill would punish law-abiding citizens while criminals continue to obtain weapons illegally. Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Quarryville, raised concerns over vague language in the bill, particularly around the inclusion of bump stocks and unclear alignment with federal law.
The debate grew heated at times. Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, argued for limits based on the broader idea of “unalienable rights,” stating that life and liberty must take precedence over unrestricted access to powerful firearms. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, accused gun rights advocates of selective outrage over tyranny, while Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-Lock Haven, denounced the “defund the police” movement and warned of Democrat-led efforts to disarm the populace.
Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, repeatedly called for decorum as tensions rose during speeches that included personal attacks and partisan jabs.
The bill’s defeat hinged on Rep. Frank Burns, D-Johnstown, who broke ranks with his party to side with Republicans, delivering the 102nd and final vote needed to kill the measure.
While the House passed a separate bill to expand background checks in a 104–99 vote, other gun control proposals—including bans on ghost guns and red-flag laws—have also failed. With a Republican-controlled Senate and a divided House, gun control efforts in Pennsylvania face an uphill battle.
