Bloomsburg, Pa. — Today, State Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) announced he has introduced legislation to prohibit Red Flag laws in Pennsylvania.
“One of the greatest potential abuses inflicted on Pennsylvania gun owners comes under the guise of ‘Red Flag’ gun confiscation,” said Leadbeter. “Not only do these laws blatantly violate the Second Amendment, but they also infringe on the 14th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, as it reads no state shall ‘deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.’”
As of now, there are no Red Flag laws — a.k.a an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law — in Pennsylvania.
In recent years, there have been efforts in the Democrat-controlled House to enact an ERPO law.
Past legislative efforts
In May 2023, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee passed several firearm safety bills, including House Bill 1018.
This bill, if passed, would allow law enforcement, family, or household members to petition a court to temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others.
Despite passing the House, these bills have faced challenges in the Republican-controlled Senate — specifically in their judiciary committee.
In October 2024, proposals for a Red Flag law, expanded background checks, and ghost gun restrictions were stalled in the Senate.
Leadbeter up to bat against House Dems
According to Leadbeter, these laws ignore the historical belief in “innocent until proven guilty” and instead flip the script by assuming a person is guilty and assuming a crime may happen before it has been committed.
“It is our duty to uphold Columbia County’s conservative values and reject the Democrat majority’s attacks on our God-given liberties,” said Leadbeter. “That’s why I’m grateful to lead and support all efforts to protect our freedom, keep our communities safe and strengthen Columbia County families and seniors.”
House Bill 1867 is awaiting a committee assignment.
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