[VT Philadelphia | Sept. 3, 2025] Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, joined by Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District), Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, Chief Director of Public Safety Adam Geer, City Solicitor Renee Garcia, and community advocates, has signed into law Bill No. 241057, “Mandatory Posting of Warning of Unlawful Transfer of Firearm.” The measure, unanimously passed by City Council in June, requires all licensed firearms dealers in Philadelphia to prominently display warning signs about the criminal consequences of straw purchasing.
A straw purchase occurs when someone buys a firearm on behalf of a person prohibited from owning one, such as individuals with a criminal record or minors. City officials and law enforcement leaders emphasized that clear signage is a low-cost but effective way to deter illegal sales and educate the public.
The new law requires bilingual (English and Spanish) warning signs with bold, fluorescent orange backgrounds and large, easy-to-read lettering. Signs must be posted within five feet of store entrances, near payment areas, at shooting range entrances (if applicable), and at any location where firearm purchase paperwork is completed. The Philadelphia Police Department will provide the signage free of charge to all seven licensed firearm dealers in the city and oversee enforcement.
Dealers who fail to comply will first receive a written violation notice and have 30 days to correct the issue. Continued noncompliance will result in a $2,000 daily fine, classified as a Class III offense.
“By ensuring every person who visits a licensed firearms retailer is clearly warned that purchasing a weapon for someone else is a serious crime, we are taking a meaningful step toward reducing illegal gun circulation and making our neighborhoods safer,” said Mayor Parker.
Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., who introduced the legislation, noted that many straw purchases stem from individuals who mistakenly believe they are doing a favor for friends or relatives. “However, what seems like an innocent gesture is a felony,” he said. “This law sends a clear message that Philadelphia is serious about prevention, intervention, and enforcement to keep our city safe.”
City Solicitor Renee Garcia added that illegal firearms trafficking is often fueled by straw purchases. “We hope this ordinance contributes to a culture of safe and legal gun ownership while reminding the public of the risks and criminal consequences,” she said.
The passage of Bill No. 241057 underscores the Parker Administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing gun violence through a comprehensive strategy. With homicides down 36 percent and shootings down 37 percent last year, city officials say the measure is another step toward creating a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia.
