Bill > SB39

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to create a new criminal offense of possessing firearms or dangerous weapons in public recreation areas. The law establishes two distinct levels of offense: a third-degree misdemeanor for knowingly possessing a weapon in a public recreation area, and a first-degree misdemeanor for possessing a weapon with intent to commit a crime. The bill provides specific exceptions for law enforcement, authorized personnel performing official duties, participants in certain firearm training courses, and military personnel engaged in ceremonial duties. The legislation defines key terms such as "dangerous weapon" (which includes items like bombs, grenades, daggers, and other implements capable of causing serious bodily injury) and "public recreation area" (specifically parks, recreation centers, or pools owned by political subdivisions). The bill also clarifies that private recreation area owners retain the right to implement their own weapon policies. Importantly, the law does not apply to weapons used in lawful official capacities and includes specific definitional nuances about what constitutes a firearm or dangerous weapon. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing time for public awareness and implementation.