A new state law is taking aim at Pennsylvania municipalities that have their own gun laws, and Reading is taking heed.
Council members told 69 News that they intend to soon repeal the ordinance that requires people to report lost or stolen guns within 24 hours.
"At the advice of our solicitor, we will now have on our agenda to introduce, an ordinance to repeal the current firearms ordinance," said Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, D-Reading.
As of Monday, Act 192 went into effect, making it possible for people or groups to file suits against Pennsylvania municipalities that have firearms regulations. Complainants don't need to prove injury in order to recover costs.
Already taking action is attorney Joshua Prince, who represents a variety of gun rights groups. Prince has sent letters to the city of Reading, along with other municipalities across the state, warning of his intent to sue unless unlawful gun ordinances are dropped.
"If they inform us that, no matter what, they are going to stay steadfast, and they're going to retain their ordinances and enforce them, we will be prepared to take legal action," Prince said.
Since 1974, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania have been prohibited from passing their own gun ordinances, he said.
"All we're requiring is that the municipalities comply with the law," Prince told 69 News.
Reading police Chief Bill Heim called the action "disappointing," stating that he believes cities should have the right to pass their own gun laws.
Heim said that since 2008, when the ordinance requiring residents to report a missing weapon was passed, roughly a dozen offenders have been fined.
"I think we just need to move on and look at how we can strengthen all our public safety within the guidelines of the state," Goodman-Hinnershitz said.
She opted not to address the specific lawsuit threat.
"I think across the board there's always threats for lawsuits and we want to make sure that our laws, according to the advice of our solicitor, are really following what state law says," she said. "So therefore, it is logical for us to move ahead to repeal the current ordinance."
Prince told 69 News that he has not heard from Reading officials. Other municipalities, however, have informed him of their intent to comply.
He said that Harrisburg, so far, is the only city to outright refuse.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/17h5QoG
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