Pittsburgh City Council to vote on proposed firearms ban

| Back | Text Size:

https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-city-council-to-cast-first-vote-on-proposed-firearms-ban/

Pittsburgh City Council to vote on proposed firearms ban

Bob Bauder | Tuesday, March 26, 2019 1:14 p.m.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

A man’s gun-shaped necklace is seen during an open carry demonstration while listening to speakers at a rally held at the City-County Building, Downtown on Jan. 7, 2019.

Pittsburgh City Council is expected to cast its first vote Wednesday on three controversial bills that would ban the possession and use of certain semiautomatic weapons, ammunition and accessories in the city.

Councilman Corey O’Connor, one of the main sponsors of the legislation, said he would call for a vote during council’s standing committee meeting that starts at 10 a.m.

Seven of nine council members have signed on as sponsors of the legislation, and it is expected to pass. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has said he would support it. Council would schedule a final vote on the bills for April 2 if they are approved on Wednesday.

Council meets on the fifth floor of the City-County Building, Downtown.

Members last week amended the legislation to include the use of firearms, which would include loading, firing, attempting to fire and brandishing guns in the city. Another amendment made a ban on weaponry, including certain semiautomatic rifles and pistols, high-capacity magazines and armor-piercing ammunition, contingent upon the state legislature passing enabling legislation or the courts approving it.

Gun rights advocates have described the legislation as unconstitutional and vowed to sue the city if it passes. They’ve also promised to file private criminal complaints against council members and Peduto, citing a state law that prohibits municipalities from regulating firearms.