Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes civil action against local firearm laws.

Highlights:

• Authorizes any “individual adversely affected” by any firearm law enacted by a county, municipality, or township to seek declaratory or injunctive relief and actual damages in an appropriate court (Sec. 2).

• Defines “individual adversely affected” as any of the following (Sec. 2):
• A resident of the state who is authorized to legally possess a firearm;
• An individual who has standing under the state law to bring about a civil action; or
• A membership organization, in which a member is an individual who is authorized to legally possess a firearm or who has standing to bring about a civil action.

• Requires the court to award “reasonable expenses” to any individual adversely affected if any of the following occur (Sec. 2):
• A final determination by the court is granted in the favor of the individual adversely affected; or
• The firearm law in question is rescinded or repealed after the suit has been filed but before the final determination by the court.

• Defines “reasonable expenses” as certain expenses including, but not limited to, the following expenses (Sec. 2):
• Attorney fees;
• Expert witness fees:
• Court costs; and 
• Compensation for the loss of income.

• Requires the Pennsylvania State Police to disclose, within 72 hours of receipt, any record relevant to a determination that any of the following individuals is no longer disqualified to possess a firearm (Sec. 1):
• An individual who illegally uses or is addicted to any controlled substance; or 
• An individual who has been formally considered to be “a mental defective.”

Full Bill Text