Pennsylvania generally prohibits the possession of firearms in the buildings of, on the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to or from any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational institution, any elementary or secondary private school licensed by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary parochial school. 1 However, schools may apply to a court to allow certain security personnel–including law enforcement officers employed by the school and independent contractors–who have met specified training standards to carry firearms. 2
In addition, a defense to the statute exists where the weapon is possessed and used in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or “is possessed for other lawful purpose.” 3 There has been recent litigation in Pennsylvania courts regarding the scope of the exception for possession of weapons on school property for “other lawful purpose[s],” and Pennsylvania courts have urged state lawmakers to review and clarify this language. 4
State law prohibits hunting with a firearm in a “safety zone,” defined as an area within 150 yards of “any attached or detached playground of any school, nursery school or day-care center.” 5
People who have valid licenses to carry a firearm are subject to these location limits.
Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
Support Giffords
