Apr. 26, 2017
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania gun owners would be protected against locally enacted restrictions on guns and ammunition under legislation approved today in the state House, said Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset).
“Although it is already against state law for local governments to pass their own gun ordinances, some have done so anyway,” Dowling said. “This is a violation of state law, but more importantly, it is a violation of our citizens’ rights, which are guaranteed in both the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions.”
House Bill 671 aims to deter these illegal ordinances by requiring local governments that enact them to reimburse reasonable attorneys fees and costs related to any successful lawsuit challenging the illegal ordinance. The bill requires fair notice to the local jurisdiction, requiring 60 days written notice so it has time to voluntarily repeal its offending ordinance.
The measure, which was originally enacted in 2014, directly responds to a state court decision which ruled the law unconstitutional. That ruling was based on technical grounds, and the substance of the legislation was never called into question.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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