(WHTM)– Does Pennsylvania law require gun owners to safely store their firearms?
Pennsylvania law does not require gun owners to store their firearms safely, but critics say changing that could benefit Pennsylvanians.
Ceasefire PA, an organization advocating against gun violence in Pennsylvania, said that changing the law could prevent unintentional shootings, school shootings, and suicides.
The ACLU of Pennsylvania supported House Bill 1629 last session, which would have required the safe storage of firearms in homes where children may be present.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
Under the current Pennsylvania code, a suitable storeroom for the storage of firearms shall consist of a separate room or closet located inside the premises. There may be no windows or exterior exits in the room.
Early Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 11-year-old Clayton Dietz allegedly shot his father while he slept in their Perry County home. State Police said Clayton told them he opened the safe and pulled out a gun before allegedly committing the crime.
Court records indicated that Dietz had been taken to Perry County Prison following his arraignment on Tuesday. The warden told abc27 News that he is not currently there.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.