Bill > SB822

This bill strengthens Pennsylvania's existing firearms preemption laws by expanding protections for individuals and organizations against local municipalities that might attempt to regulate firearms beyond state law. The bill allows any person adversely affected by a local ordinance that conflicts with state firearm regulations to seek legal relief, including declarative and injunctive relief and monetary damages. A person can be considered "adversely affected" if they are a resident who can legally possess a firearm or a membership organization representing such individuals. If a plaintiff provides 60 days' written notice before filing a lawsuit and ultimately prevails in court or causes the local regulation to be rescinded, they are entitled to recover reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, expert witness fees, court costs, and compensation for lost income. The bill further clarifies that the Commonwealth exclusively regulates all aspects of firearms and ammunition regulation, explicitly invalidating any local ordinances that attempt to create additional restrictions. The Attorney General is required to notify municipal associations about these changes within 30 days, and the provisions will take effect 90 days after passage, with some immediate implementation of other sections.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=822