Pa. gubernatorial candidates disagree over municipal gun-law bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial candidates are disagreeing over National Rifle Association-backed legislation that could unleash fresh court challenges to local gun-control laws in Pennsylvania.

The bill that Gov. Tom Corbett’s office said today the Republican will sign would allow “membership organizations” to stand in for any member who is “adversely affected” by a gun-control ordinance.

The challenger also could seek damages.

Corbett’s office says courts have been clear that local ordinances cannot exceed state firearms laws.

Democrat Tom Wolf opposes the bill. His campaign says Wolf understands the need to curb gun violence while preserving the rights of responsible gun owners, but he opposes allowing outside organizations to sue over gun ordinances.

The NRA complains that dozens of illegal ordinances go unchallenged in court by residents who can prove it harmed them.