Bill > SB242

This bill, known as the Right-to-Bear-Arms Protection Act, aims to prevent federal actions that would register, restrict, or ban firearms, accessories, or magazines in Pennsylvania. The legislation establishes that any federal action after December 31, 2020, attempting to restrict firearm ownership or create a firearm registry would be unenforceable within the state. State actors (government officials, employees, or contractors) are prohibited from enforcing such federal actions, and they owe a duty to protect residents' Second Amendment rights. If state actors assist in enforcing what the bill considers unconstitutional federal gun regulations, they could face significant penalties, including potential termination of employment, a 10-year ban from state employment, and civil liability. The bill also stipulates that political subdivisions may lose state grant funding if they adopt policies violating these provisions, and any federal grants received for such purposes must be redirected to improving state game lands and shooting ranges. Additionally, the Attorney General is mandated to defend Pennsylvania residents who are prosecuted by the federal government for violating federal gun control laws that this bill deems unconstitutional. The legislation is rooted in principles of federalism and references previous Supreme Court decisions, particularly Printz v. United States, which limited the federal government's ability to commandeer state resources for enforcing federal programs.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=242