PA Bill Number: HB829
Title: In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Description: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Last Action: Signed in House
Last Action Date: Jul 3, 2024
Pennsylvania: West Middlesex Borough weighs changing rules about weapon use :: 09/21/2018
WEST MIDDLESEX – The borough has an ordinance that prohibits using firearms within its borders, although the penalty — fines between $2 and $10 — is hardly a deterrent.
Borough officials might be about to change that. At the West Middlesex Borough Council meeting this week, Solicitor Robert Tesone presented a proposed regulation to update an ordinance that prohibits the firing of guns in the borough and restricts the use of bows and arrows.
The measure would also increase fines for violations to a maximum of $300 and a maximum of 90 days in jail. The proposed ordinance would exempt people who use guns in self-defense, at a licensed public or private shooting range and someone firing blank ammunition for a ceremony or athletic contest.
Residents would be restricted from firing air guns, BB guns or air pellet guns on public property, rights-of-ways or across property lines. It would be illegal to shoot a crossbow, bow and arrow or blowgun in the borough. Bows and arrows could be used in archery practice sites.
Borough officials began looking into updating its weapons ordinance after an incident where a man fired a gun within borough limits. Council asked Tesone to come up with a measure to replace the town’s 1909 gun ordinance.
Council President Bob Lark said council would review Tesone’s proposal but no action was taken on Tuesday. Council can accept, reject or modify the proposal.
