Pennsylvania House Bill HB887

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/13/25

Caption

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for limitation on the regulation of firearms and ammunition; and, in general provisions relating to home rule and optional plan government, repealing provisions relating to limitation on municipal powers.

Summary

HB887 would amend Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption laws to create a narrow exception allowing local governments to regulate the possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, and ammunition components on property they own, operate, or maintain. That property includes municipal buildings, parks, and vehicles or other conveyances. Outside of that exception, the bill keeps the general rule that political subdivisions may not regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms and ammunition when such conduct is otherwise lawful under state law. The bill also repeals a separate provision in the Municipalities Planning Code/home rule law that currently bars municipalities from enacting ordinances or taking other action regulating the transfer, ownership, transportation, or possession of firearms. If enacted, HB887 would therefore modify state law by partially loosening local firearm preemption while preserving statewide control over most firearm regulation. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Impact

HB887 would change Titles 18 and 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by carving out a new local-government authority over firearms on municipal property and by removing an overlapping municipal-powers restriction. The practical effect is to allow counties, municipalities, townships, and other political subdivisions to adopt ordinances governing firearms and ammunition on their own property, while continuing to prohibit local regulation elsewhere except as specifically authorized. It would affect local governments, firearm owners, and anyone carrying or transporting firearms or ammunition on public property.

Sentiment

The available record shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but there are no recorded committee transcripts, votes, or other action in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s sponsors and subject matter, it appears to be a policy proposal aimed at adjusting the balance between state firearm preemption and local control, but the provided context does not show formal support or opposition on the record.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be the scope of local authority over firearms. Supporters would view the bill as giving municipalities limited control over safety on property they own and manage, such as parks and government buildings. Opponents would likely argue that even this exception weakens Pennsylvania’s longstanding firearm preemption framework and could create a patchwork of local rules for gun owners. The bill’s repeal of the municipal-powers restriction in Title 53 may also be seen as significant because it removes a separate statutory barrier to local firearm ordinances.