A provision in Pennsylvania's HB2244 imposes new compliance obligations on any business that sells firearms—including some auto service operations.
Most Pennsylvania auto service owners don't realize that a bill primarily about sales tax and firearm safety contains a compliance requirement that could expose their business to criminal liability if they sell firearms or firearm-related products.
Here's what you need to know about the buried provision in HB2244, which was signed into law.
Under § 6143(e) of the new law, every retail firearm seller in Pennsylvania must permanently display a specific warning notice at their point of sale. The notice must be in block letters at least three inches tall and contain verbatim language about firearm storage and unauthorized access.
The exact wording is mandated by statute. You cannot paraphrase, abbreviate, or modify it. The notice must be posted where customers can see it during the transaction.
This applies to any business licensed to sell firearms at retail—including auto service shops that sell firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories as part of their business operations. If your shop has a firearms counter or sells these items, you're covered.
If you don't sell firearms or firearm-related products, this provision does not apply to you.
Failure to display the required notice is a third-degree misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law. This is a criminal offense, not a civil violation or fine.
A third-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in:
• Up to one year in jail
• Fines up to $2,000
• A criminal record
• Potential loss of your firearms retail license
The law treats this as a serious matter. It's not a warning or a citation—it's criminal prosecution.
The requirement becomes effective 60 days after the bill was enacted. This means you have a specific window to come into compliance. Once that 60-day period passes, non-compliance exposes you to prosecution.
The provision is codified in § 6143(e), found on page 3 of the statute.
If your auto service business sells firearms or firearm products:
1. Obtain the exact verbatim notice language from the statute or your state licensing authority.
2. Have the notice professionally printed in block letters at least three inches tall.
3. Permanently post it at your point of sale before the 60-day deadline expires.
4. Keep documentation that you've complied—photograph the posted notice and retain records.
If you don't currently sell firearms but are considering it, understand that this notice requirement is now part of the regulatory landscape.
The full text of HB2244 and the specific notice language are available through the Pennsylvania General Assembly website and the Department of State.
This explainer is for informational purposes. For compliance guidance specific to your business, consult your attorney or your state firearms licensing authority.