Governor Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Expands Gun Bureaucracy in Pennsylvania

Austin Reville
Feb 24
3 min read

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has unveiled his proposed 2026–2027 state budget—and it includes significant funding increases that raise concerns for Second Amendment advocates. While framed as public safety measures, critics argue portions of the proposal would expand gun-control infrastructure and bureaucracy rather than address violent crime directly.

$1 Million for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention

The governor’s budget allocates $1 million to fund the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Pennsylvania Commission for Crime and Delinquency. Supporters say the office would coordinate policy and prevention efforts. Gun owners rightfully know it risks becoming a centralized platform for advancing additional gun-control proposals and legislative advocacy—using taxpayer dollars to promote policies that restrict lawful firearm ownership.

Expanding Funding for PICS

The proposed budget also calls for doubling funding for the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) to approximately $8.9 million.

While background check systems are already required under existing law, increased funding could:

Expand administrative bureaucracy
Increase operational costs
Potentially lead to higher fees passed on to gun owners

Currently, Pennsylvania gun owners already face:

A $2 fee for each PICS background check
A $3 surcharge on the purchase of new firearms

Gun owners understand this will pave the way for increased burdens financially on lawful gun owners. Background checks are already mandated federally, this secondary background check is not necessary and is a waste of taxpayer money. It does nothing to limit crime but adds one more restriction on lawful gun owners.

Concerns Over the “Record of Sale” System

Another controversial element tied to PICS is the Pennsylvania State Police “Record of Sale” system, which uses the SP4-113 Firearm Application/Record of Sale form. Second Amendment advocates have long argued that this system functions as a de facto handgun registry—something they contend conflicts with constitutional protections and the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986.

Why This Matters

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s Premier Indoor Range and Firearms Store, we track legislative trends across the country because policies often migrate from one state to another. Budget language can quietly shape enforcement, regulation, and administrative reach—sometimes more significantly than headline-grabbing legislation. Whether you live in Pennsylvania or Minnesota, it’s critical for gun owners to understand how funding decisions influence policy outcomes.

Take Action

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is urging Pennsylvania residents to contact their state representatives and senators to oppose expanded funding for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and to push back against continued funding of the “Record of Sale” system.

If you are a Pennsylvania resident and want to make your voice heard:

Click here to go to GOA and petition lawmakers to slash this funding from the budget.

Staying Engaged

Budget battles are often overlooked, but they can have lasting effects on Second Amendment rights. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we remain committed to keeping gun owners informed, promoting responsible firearm ownership, and monitoring legislative developments nationwide. Stay vigilant, stay informed and know your rights.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.