Small Preemption Violation Win

[jthrelf]

Score for us! I contacted the Upper Providence administrator (Montgomery County) about some park signs stating that firearms were prohibited. As of today they have been addressed (in a timely manner I may add - about 2 weeks).

Hello,

I wanted to inform you that the rules and regulations sign at Longford Park on 100 Longford Road in Phoenixville is out of compliance. Specifically, it states that possession of firearms is prohibited.

Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act (UFA), section 6120(a), directs that "[n]o county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms . . . ." 18 Pa. C.S. § 6120(a).

Because the UFA does not specify any prohibition of firearms in parks, it is not legal for a township to post a sign that states anything contrary to the law. This section of the UFA is extremely important to law abiding citizens who carry firearms to prevent confusion and a patch work of laws across our state's many local governments.

Instead of replacing the entire sign, the line about firearms can be permanently covered or altered to state something to the effect of "discharge of firearms is prohibited" or "unlawful possession of firearms is prohibited". But as it currently stands, the sign is illegal and a detriment to people who legally carry firearms.

Please let me know your plans to address this issue. I appreciate your time!

Thank you,
jthrelf

I received an immediate reply back saying she would look into it and let the parks dept know for all Upper Providence parks. Then today she got back to me again and said:

I wanted to let you know that the firearm language on the park signs has been covered. This should bring this matter to a close. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Thanks.

Small win, but a win nonetheless! Good for people who are less familiar with the law than members here or are new to carrying in Pennsylvania.