Richboro, PA Firearms: Local Firearms Preemption (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 6 days ago|Source: PA Uniform Firearms Act – 18 Pa.C.S. §6120 →

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Pennsylvania state rule: Richboro does not have a local ordinance for local firearms preemption. This topic is governed by Pennsylvania state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Pennsylvania law comprehensively preempts local regulation of firearms under 18 Pa.C.S. §6120. Cities and counties cannot regulate lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms or ammunition. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown have all attempted local gun ordinances and lost in PA appellate courts.

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania's firearms preemption is among the strongest in the nation. 18 Pa.C.S. §6120(a) provides: "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 PA Supreme Court reaffirmed this preemption in Ortiz v. Commonwealth (1996) and again in NRA v. Philadelphia. Multiple cities have attempted local ordinances — Philadelphia's lost-and-stolen reporting, assault weapons ban, and large-capacity magazine restrictions; Pittsburgh's 2019 post-Tree of Life ordinance package; Allentown's open-carry restriction — all were struck down by Commonwealth Court as preempted. License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is administered by county sheriffs under 18 Pa.C.S. §6109, valid for 5 years, and recognized statewide. Pennsylvania does not require a permit to purchase long guns; handgun purchases require a PICS background check.

Violations & Fines

Cities passing preempted firearm ordinances face civil suits and injunctions; individuals subjected to such ordinances have a statutory right of action for damages and attorney's fees under 18 Pa.C.S. §6120(a.2) (added by Act 79 of 2023, though portions remain in litigation). Violating state firearm laws is generally a misdemeanor or felony under the Uniform Firearms Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city in Pennsylvania pass its own gun law?

No. 18 Pa.C.S. §6120 comprehensively preempts local regulation of firearms ownership, possession, transfer, and transportation. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown have all tried and lost in court.

How do I get a concealed carry permit in PA?

Apply for a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) at your county sheriff's office under 18 Pa.C.S. §6109. The license is valid for 5 years and recognized statewide. Background check and $20 fee required.

Why have Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tried to pass local gun laws anyway?

Both cities have argued the preemption is unconstitutional or doesn't apply to certain regulations like reporting requirements. PA appellate courts have consistently rejected these arguments and struck the ordinances down.

Richboro, PA Firearms: Local Firearms Preemption (2026)

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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