October 30, 2014

PA Senate Passes “Stand-in” Bill

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed an amendment to House Bill 80 which would allow member firearm organizations to stand in for local citizens who have brought actions challenging city and county firearm ordinances that supersede state law. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett (R) has hinted that he is planning to sign the bill into law. The amendment arises from ordinances and policies that have been adopted by several Pennsylvania municipalities regarding possession of firearms on city property and reporting requirements for stolen or lost firearms. The amendment to HB 80 has faced criticism from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who stated that the new provisions of HB 80 “raise the stakes for local government, and the communities they serve, for trying to do something about illegal gun violence.” The proposed amended version of HB 80 can be found here.


Firearm Advocates Hold Demonstrations

Two demonstrations were held in Missouri and New York over the weekend. In St. Louis, a group of armed protesters held a walk and information session for purposes of exhibiting Missouri residents’ rights under Senate Bill 656. SB 656, which permits Missourians to openly carry firearms if they have a concealed-carry permit, was recently reinstated by state legislators after being vetoed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. A copy of SB 656 can be found here. At the State Police Headquarters in New York, a demonstration was held in opposition to the NY Safe Act, which was signed into law by Governor Cuomo in January of 2013. Many of the New York residents in attendance stated that the protest was in anticipation of the upcoming election for NY governor on November 4th.