Pennsylvania HB 1909 Advances — What It Means for Gun Owners

Legislation with serious Second Amendment implications is moving forward in Pennsylvania. HB 1909 has passed the Pennsylvania House by a 104–94 vote and now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The bill would expand the legal consequences tied to Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders—civil court orders that are often issued ex parte, meaning only one party is present before a judge.

What HB 1909 Would Do

If enacted, HB 1909 would automatically enhance criminal penalties for certain offenses when a PFA is in place.

That means allegations such as:

• Simple harassment

• Disorderly conduct

• Reckless behavior

  
  

Could be upgraded to higher-level misdemeanors or even felonies if they are alleged to have occurred “during the violation” of a PFA—even if no firearm was involved. The consequences don’t stop there.

Upgraded convictions could:

• Trigger automatic loss of firearm rights under Pennsylvania law

• Qualify as a federal “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), resulting in a lifetime federal firearm prohibition with no restoration process

  
  

One could argue this would effectively turn PFAs into a pathway for permanent firearm disqualification—without the same evidentiary standards required in criminal proceedings.  There are limited controls on PFAs and it treats a constitutional right with the assumption of guilt.  This is a reversal of the innocent until proven guilty standard that American Law is based upon.

Why This Raises Concerns

PFAs are civil protective orders. While they serve a role in domestic situations, they are not criminal convictions. Expanding criminal penalties and attaching permanent firearm prohibitions based on civil orders raises constitutional questions—particularly when orders are issued without both parties present. Supporters frame HB 1909 as a public safety measure. Gun owners rightly view this as a backdoor expansion of gun prohibition through procedural mechanisms rather than direct legislation.

What This Means Beyond Pennsylvania

Legislative models often travel. When one state passes a measure that expands firearm disqualifications through civil processes, other states frequently consider similar language. Minnesota has already enacted red flag laws and expanded background check requirements in recent years. For gun owners nationwide, vigilance matters.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, even here in we closely monitor firearm legislation across the country to help inform you of what might come.  This is also a  part of our mission to be your one stop shop for all things 2A, including staying informed on gun control movements across the nation and the world.

While this bill is specific to Pennsylvania, the broader strategy of tying civil protective orders to expanded firearm penalties is something every gun owner should understand.

We remain committed to:

• Keeping you informed on key 2A legislation

• Promoting responsible, lawful gun ownership

• Supporting education and awareness around constitutional rights

  
  

Stay engaged. Stay vigilant. And stay connected with 2 If By Sea Tactical for updates on everything impacting the Second Amendment.

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.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.