House Sends Bill Protecting Gun Rights to Governor, Causer Says

HARRISBURG – The state House this week gave final approval to a bill aimed at deterring local governments from establishing their own firearms laws, an action that already is against state law, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

“Local governments have long been prohibited from passing their own laws or ordinances regarding ownership, possession or transportation of firearms, but a few of them – such as the City of Philadelphia – have adopted their own anyway,” Causer said. “It is not reasonable to expect someone traveling across the state’s many municipalities to know what gun laws are in effect in each community.

“But more important than violating state law, these ordinances are a threat to our Second Amendment right, and it is important we act now to stop them,” he added.

House Bill 80 gives legal standing to any person who has been adversely affected by any regulation put forth or enforced in violation of state law, and to seek injunctive and declarative relief, as well as damages.

The hope is that the possibility of economic consequences for communities will deter them from trying to enact their own ordinances.

“I understand that Philadelphia and some other communities are struggling with a high level of gun-related crimes, but adding more laws that criminals will ignore is not the answer,” Causer said.

House Bill 80 now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.