Pennsylvania Supreme Court Upholds Gun Law Preemption

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court unanimously upheld the state’s firearm preemption laws, denying Philadelphia's attempts to implement stricter gun regulations. This 6-0 ruling supports the authority of the state legislature to regulate firearms, effectively preventing local governments from enacting conflicting laws. The court found that Philadelphia's arguments, which claimed the preemption laws violated residents' rights to life and liberty, were insufficient and fell short of legal standards. Consequently, the ruling poses a significant setback for gun-control advocates, including the city and groups like CeaseFirePA, who argue that local measures are necessary to address gun violence. While the court acknowledged the ongoing issues with gun violence, it maintained that the adequacy of state laws is not within their jurisdiction to evaluate. The ruling not only impacts Philadelphia but could also influence similar legal challenges in other states with preemption statutes.