Recent news reports tell of multiple lawsuits filed in Pennsylvania which could allow individual municipalities to craft gun ownership legislation. Two of the suits, filed in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, may pave the way for hyper-local gun laws, which may pose significant challenges to firearm owners.

The tragic school shooting in Uvalde, TX, has reignited the gun control debate, and The City of Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit seeking the ability to enact gun control measures within city limits. This would be a significant change, as the Pennsylvania state legislature currently has the sole power to write gun-related laws.

Though a Commonwealth Court dismissed the City of Philadelphia's lawsuit by a vote of 3-2, the court has indicated that further discourse over gun control is necessary. If similar lawsuits come forth and succeed, in the future, anyone who possesses a firearm in Pennsylvania will need to pay attention.

Stricter or Looser Gun Laws? Either Way, Local Legislative Power Could Mean More Headaches for You

One of the judges who ruled to dismiss the City of Philadelphia's lawsuit cited a fair question: What does someone who legally owns a firearm in Pennsylvania do as they travel from one city (with its own unique set of gun laws) to the next (with another unique set of gun laws)?

There are countless stories of unwitting firearm owners—in many cases, it is an athlete or celebrity who makes the front page—who cross state lines with a firearm and face serious legal penalties because they didn't know that laws differed between two adjacent states.

In fact, a former Eagles player made headlines a few years ago for (apparently) failing to understand that one could not legally carry a handgun in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, despite having legally registered the handgun in Texas.

Now, imagine how difficult it may be for those who live in Pennsylvania to keep tabs on varying gun laws across cities and counties within the state. Though one can argue the merits of crafting gun laws at the local level—rather than the state level alone—there is no denying that localized gun laws will make compliance more difficult.

As Laws Change, the LLF Law Firm Is Here to Help

Though there does not appear to be an imminent move to localize the creation of gun legislation, who knows what the future holds? With gun control being among the most pressing topics today, don't bet against a change in how Pennsylvania drafts its gun-specific legislation.

Responsible firearm owners must do everything in their power to comply with prevailing laws. As those laws changes, it's your responsibility to keep pace. Failing to do so could mean loss of freedom, felony convictions, and additional consequences that nobody wants to face.

The LLF Law Firm is here to explain the latest gun-specific legislation in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one face a firearms-related legal problem, our Criminal Law Team will fight for you.

Call 888-535-3686 today or submit your case details online.