Mastriano and Dush Introduce Legislation to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

HARRISBURG – Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Senator Chris Dush (R-25) officially introduced Senate Bill 624 to stand up for the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvania gun owners against encroachments from the federal government.

This bill would forbid state and local government officials from enforcing new unconstitutional federal gun restriction laws, regulations, and executive orders enacted after December 31, 2020.

The bill will also do the following:

• Provide for civil penalties for any state or local government official who conspires with federal agents in the enforcement of new federal gun restriction laws;
• Remove any qualified immunity for public officials engaging in such cooperation;
• Mandate the Attorney General prosecute such collaborators and defend Pennsylvanians in court from prosecution;
• Create a private right of action against officials who attempt to enforce these laws;
• Freeze state grant funds from local governments that cooperate in such enforcement; and
• Forbid local government from accepting federal money to enforce gun restriction measures.

Senator Mastriano stated, “This legislation is needed now more than ever. We have a President who has already shown his enthusiasm for using his executive order pen and a Congress that has made gun restriction laws a top priority. Pennsylvania was the first state to address the right to bear arms in its constitution. By the time the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted in December of 1791, PA had already reaffirmed twice the right to bear arms as a fundamental individual freedom. Our legislation will preserve that right and curb federal attempts to infringe upon it.”

Senator Dush stated, “This legislation will protect Pennsylvanians’ right to keep and bear arms for their self-defense as put forth not only in the Constitution of the United States of America but also the constitution of Pennsylvania. Given the current climate in the country, it is vital to the safety of the citizens of our Commonwealth to ensure that this right is not taken away from them and they are able to protect their families and property.”