Franklin County LTCF Disclosure Class Action Settlement

[gnbrotz]

From the Prince Law Blog, written by Joshua Prince (PAFOA User SigForLife)

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Joshua Prince, Esq.

I am proud to announce that that today * after 9 years of litigation * Adams County Senior Judge John D. Kuhn, specially presiding, signed a Final Order approving a settlement that was reached with Franklin County in the matter of John Doe 1, et al., v. Franklin County, et al, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas docket no. 2014-cv-4623, stemming from the County*s disclosure of confidential license to carry firearms (*LTCF*) applicant information through the use of un-enveloped postcards. A copy of the Final Approval Order will be made available shortly on the Class Administrator*s website * www.FranklinLTCFClassAction.com.

As a result of the Settlement, the County*s insurance will pay $3,000,000.00 to the approximately 6,100 class members, who were sent un-enveloped postcards. Further, and of similar importance, the County has agreed to the entry of a permanent injunction, among other things:

Prohibiting them from sending out un-enveloped postcards containing LTCF applicant information, including, but not limited to, LTCF applications, renewals, denials, and approvals.
Prohibiting them from requiring any information or documentation not required by the LTCF application form (SP 4-127) promulgated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Requiring them to train, on at least an annual basis, all employees involved with LTCF applications, renewals, denials, and approvals regarding the confidentiality of LTCF Information pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111.

Provide no appeal is taken to the final approval, checks will start being sent out to all class members around December 6, 2023. Based on the settlement reached, unlike in most class actions, class members do NOT need to submit any forms or requests for payment. Those aggrieved (who did not exclude themselves) will simply receive checks in the mail without any action on their part. Any checks that are not cashed within 90 days will be voided and any such unclaimed money will be distributed equally, in fifty percent (50%) shares between the PA Sheriff Association (solely to be utilized to provide training and equipment to sheriff departments across Pennsylvania) and Firearm Owners Against Crime * PAC.

You can find out more information about the class action lawsuit, including a copy of the Settlement Agreement, on the class administrator*s website * www.FranklinLTCFClassAction.com. If you have any questions about the class action, please contact the class administrator, Continental DataLogix LLC, at (833) 215-9289, in writing at Franklin County Class Action, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 16, West Point, PA 19486, or online.

If your confidential license to carry firearms information has been disclosed, contact Firearms Industry Consulting Group today to discuss YOUR rights and legal options.

Firearms Industry Consulting Group® (FICG®) is a registered trademark and division of Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C., with rights and permissions granted to Prince Law Offices, P.C. to use in this article.

As someone who was part of a group of constituents who specifically brought this issue to the Sheriff prior well before this lawsuit was initiated, and were basically told, "Yeah, you're right, but it costs too much to do what the law says" (even though there are specific fees to cover these costs), I want to thank Josh for holding Franklin County accountable.

As an aside that has nothing to do with the specifics of this case, the notion that it takes almost 10 years to resolve this kind of thing is outrageous.

[JenniferG]

From the Prince Law Blog, written by Joshua Prince (PAFOA User SigForLife)



As someone who was part of a group of constituents who specifically brought this issue to the Sheriff prior well before this lawsuit was initiated, and were basically told, "Yeah, you're right, but it costs too much to do what the law says" (even though there are specific fees to cover these costs), I want to thank Josh for holding Franklin County accountable.

As an aside that has nothing to do with the specifics of this case, the notion that it takes almost 10 years to resolve this kind of thing is outrageous.

That's how the bureaucrats of the administrative work. It means nothing to them to stall proceedings and make the citizens they are supposed to be serving spend time and money and not really caring if the case goes away or not because they get paid either way.

[JAKIII]

Outstanding!!!

"County's insurance will pay $3,000,000.00 to the approximately 6,100 class members, who were sent un-enveloped postcards."

[MikeinPhilly]

Outstanding!!!

"County's insurance will pay $3,000,000.00 to the approximately 6,100 class members, who were sent un-enveloped postcards."

No to crap on the lawyers but that'll be $12/person

[gnbrotz]

No to crap on the lawyers but that'll be $12/person

Better check your math. I received one of the mailers sent out to class participants. Payouts (including attorney fees) are clearly disclosed, including an estimated $265 per class member, depending on exactly how many might choose to opt out, or can't be found with a current address. Granted that is still a fairly small number, but it's a far cry from $12.

[MikeinPhilly]

Better check your math. I received one of the mailers sent out to class participants. Payouts (including attorney fees) are clearly disclosed, including an estimated $265 per class member, depending on exactly how many might choose to opt out, or can't be found with a current address. Granted that is still a fairly small number, but it's a far cry from $12.

I was being sarcastic/joking based on previous class action I've been part of

[JAKIII]

I was being sarcastic/joking based on previous class action I've been part of

It's not about the class action payouts which are usually minuscule. It's about local government being held accountable for their irresponsible douchebaggery.

[Walleye Hunter]

It's not about the class action payouts which are usually minuscule. It's about local government being held accountable for their irresponsible douchebaggery.

Sadly, they are not held accountable. They will not suffer one bit over this, as the taxpayers foot the bill.

[JAKIII]

Sadly, they are not held accountable. They will not suffer one bit over this, as the taxpayers foot the bill.

Municipalities are covered by liability insurance. So, not sure how much tax payers are actually impacted.