How SB 531 changes current law

Compared against the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill reinforces the preemption of local regulations on firearms and introduces new provisions for individuals adversely affected by local regulations.

• 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120

  No county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth. → The Commonwealth by this section preempts and supersedes any local regulation by a political subdivision of firearms, ammunition, firearms components or ammunition components in this Commonwealth, and any such local regulation is declared null and void.

  Local governments can no longer impose any regulations regarding firearms and ammunition, as the state now exclusively regulates this area.

• 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120

  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a political subdivision from bringing or maintaining an action against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by the political subdivision. → A person adversely affected by any manner of ordinance, resolution, rule, practice or other action promulgated or enforced by a county or municipality in violation of section 2962(g) or 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120(a) may seek declarative and injunctive relief and the actual damages attributable to the violation in an appropriate court.

  Individuals can now seek legal relief if local governments impose unlawful regulations concerning firearms.

• 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120

  The term shall include any person engaged in the business of selling at wholesale or retail a firearm or ammunition. → The term includes attorney fees, expert witness fees, court costs and compensation for loss of income.

  The definition of 'reasonable expenses' now explicitly includes various legal costs that individuals may incur when challenging unlawful local firearm regulations.