While there has been a consistent decline in homicides and gun-related violence in Philadelphia, we must continue improving the safety of our city. According to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), there were 269 homicides in Philadelphia in 2024. In the first few months of 2025, there have already been over 31 homicides.
One of the issues allowing this epidemic to continue to escalate is Philadelphia’s 10 percent deposit of bail for all crimes, even repeat gun crimes for repeat offenders, meaning that an individual who commits multiple gun crimes or is in possession of an illegal gun multiple times will still only pay a tenth of the full bail to gain release. Without a change from the Municipal Court of Philadelphia, this 10 percent bail amount will continue to allow repeat offenders, many of whom have already committed violent crimes with illegal firearms, back on the street to re-offend or possibly intimidate witnesses. This horrible cycle must stop. Our communities are crying out for an answer to this crisis. I will be reintroducing legislation specifically aimed at combating this issue in the city of Philadelphia.
My legislation would do the following:
- It will add a new section under Chapter 57 (Bonds and Recognizances) in Title 42 only applying to the city of Philadelphia.
- A first arrest for possession of an illegal firearm or a crime committed with an illegal firearm, 10 percent deposit of bail will be required. (The current standard)
- A 2nd offense would require 50 percent deposit of bail.
- A 3rd offense would require 100 percent deposit of bail.
- Any additional arrests beyond the third would all require 100 percent deposit of bail.
This legislation will be applied retroactively.
It is imperative that we do all we can do stem the tide of gun deaths in Philadelphia. Every minute matters when lives are on the line. Let’s not waste any more time in this fight for our friends, our families and our communities.
Please join me in sponsoring this legislation.
Previous co-sponsors of former House Bill 831: Madden, Shusterman, Sanchez, Sappey, Parker, and Green.