PITTSBURGH — A bill the Pittsburgh city council tentatively approved last week would require gun owners to tell police if their firearm has been lost or stolen. The ordinance would require people to report their missing guns within 24 hours.
A similar law enacted in Philadelphia has drawn legal challenges, resulting in a Sept. 26 Commonwealth Court ruling that said laws governing the sale or use of guns is the state Legislature’s jurisdiction. Two Philadelphia council members have appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court.
Seven of council’s nine members co-sponsored the legislation. Members typically vote in favor of legislation they sponsor.
According to the proposal, gun owners who break the law would be fined up to $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 or sentenced to 90 days in jail for subsequent offenses.
