Bill > SB798

This bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a new offense related to possessing firearms or dangerous weapons in municipal buildings. The bill allows municipalities to adopt ordinances prohibiting weapons in their buildings and establishes criminal penalties for violations. Specifically, knowingly bringing a firearm or dangerous weapon into a municipal building would be a third-degree misdemeanor, with more serious first-degree misdemeanor charges if the weapon is intended to be used in committing a crime. The bill provides several exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, official duties, and ceremonial activities. Municipalities must post clear notices about the weapon prohibition at public entrances and provide free lockers or facilities for temporarily checking firearms and weapons. The bill defines key terms like "dangerous weapon" (including items like bombs, daggers, and implements capable of causing serious bodily injury) and "municipal building" (the meeting place of a municipal governing body). Violators cannot be convicted if proper notices were not posted, unless they had actual knowledge of the prohibition. The law would take effect 60 days after passage, giving municipalities time to implement the required facilities and signage.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=798