Pennsylvania Supreme Court Blocks Philadelphia's Push for Local Gun Laws

The court ruled unanimously to uphold state preemption laws, preventing Philadelphia from enacting stricter firearm regulations than those allowed by state law.

• The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled 6-0 against Philadelphia's attempt to overturn state preemption laws, which bar local governments from passing stricter gun regulations than those at the state level.
• The lawsuit, filed in 2020 by the city, CeaseFirePA, and families of gun violence victims, argued that preemption laws violated constitutional rights and contributed to gun violence in Philadelphia.
• The court's majority opinion acknowledged the severity of gun violence but stated that addressing legislative adequacy falls under the jurisdiction of the General Assembly, not the courts.
• Philadelphia officials had sought to implement measures such as requiring permits for gun purchases and limiting firearm sales, but the court found their arguments insufficient for a legal victory.
• While Philadelphia's gun violence rates have significantly declined in 2024, advocates like CeaseFirePA expressed disappointment, urging state lawmakers to act on gun safety reforms.

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