Pennsylvania cities sue over law on firearm rules

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lancaster are suing the state over a new law that was designed to give the National Rifle Association standing in court to challenge local firearms ordinances.

 

The lawsuit filed Monday in Commonwealth Court alleges that lawmakers approved the measure in violation of constitutional provisions designed to promote transparency in the legislative process.

 

The provision passed the House and Senate by comfortable margins within five days of being added to an underlying bill. Several Democratic lawmakers also joined the lawsuit.

The NRA has complained that dozens of local ordinances go unchallenged in court by residents who can prove it harmed them. Opponents fear the law could unleash fresh court challenges to local gun-control laws in Pennsylvania. The challenger also could seek damages.