Pennsylvania Announces 2021 Average Weekly Wage

by Karl VoigtPennsylvania’s Secretary of Labor and Industry has announced the 2021 Statewide Average Weekly Wage. This figure serves as the basis for determining the maximum and minimum weekly Workers’ Compensation benefit rates in Pennsylvania. The figure has increased 4.6% to $1130 from the 2019 average of $1081. This increase affects the weekly rates paid … Continue reading Pennsylvania Announces 2021 Average Weekly Wage

Permitium License to Carry/Concealed Carry Permit SCAM

We just became aware of a nationwide scam, acknowledged by Permitium, which targets License to Carry Firearms ("LTCF") and Concealed Carry or Weapon Permit (CCP / CWP) holders alerting them that their permit must either be renewed or changed. This is a SCAM. We have a client who received this exact notice, who was not … Continue reading Permitium License to Carry/Concealed Carry Permit SCAM

Year in Review: Major Pennsylvania and Federal Firearms Law Cases of 2020

As the year is thankfully coming to a close, we thought it important to document some of the monumental court decisions and issues that Firearms Industry Consulting Group® (FICG®), a division of Civil Rights Defense Firm, P.C., was involved in or obtained in 2020, even while we dealt with COVID and substantial court closures. Landmark, … Continue reading Year in Review: Major Pennsylvania and Federal Firearms Law Cases of 2020

ATF Withdrawals Notice and Request for Comment Regarding Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with Stabilizing Braces

In a shocking change of course - likely because it was in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act and former Attorney General Session's memorandum entitled Prohibition on Improper Guidance Documents - the ATF appears to be withdrawing its notice and request for comment on Objective Factors for Classifying Stabilizer Braces. The notice, which will likely … Continue reading ATF Withdrawals Notice and Request for Comment Regarding Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with Stabilizing Braces

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Holds that Probable Cause and Exigent Circumstances are Required for the Warrantless Search of a Vehicle

The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures, and no warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things shall issue without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation subscribed to by the affiant. … Continue reading Pennsylvania Supreme Court Holds that Probable Cause and Exigent Circumstances are Required for the Warrantless Search of a Vehicle

ATF to Publish Stabilizer Brace Guidance with 14 Day Notice and Comment Period Tomorrow

As reflected in a notice issued through the Federal Register electronic notice system, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives intends to publish tomorrow, Friday, December 18, 2020, its "Objective Factors for Classifying Stabilizer Braces" in the Federal Register, which we previously blogged about in our article ATF to Institute Rulemaking Regarding Stabilizing Braces … Continue reading ATF to Publish Stabilizer Brace Guidance with 14 Day Notice and Comment Period Tomorrow

ATF to Institute Rulemaking/Guidance Regarding Stabilizing Braces and Require Registration of Currently Owned Braces

In a 16 page draft copy of proposed rulemaking/guidance specifying "Objective Factors for Classifying Stablizing Braces", the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed entering into rulemaking to delineate the objective factors considered when "evaluating firearms with an attached stabilizing brace to determine whether they are considered firearms under the National Firearms … Continue reading ATF to Institute Rulemaking/Guidance Regarding Stabilizing Braces and Require Registration of Currently Owned Braces

If ATF Comes A Knocking, Only Surrender Your 80% Frame or Receiver Under Protest!

As many in the Firearms Community are aware, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raided Polymer80, Inc last week and since then, there is at least one report of a customer being visited by ATF and forced to surrender their "P80." Given what appears to be ATF's active enforcement of its interpretive … Continue reading If ATF Comes A Knocking, Only Surrender Your 80% Frame or Receiver Under Protest!

The Governor’s New Shutdown Order – Considerations for Restaurants

The Governor has once again chosen to hit restaurants and liquor license holders. This time he’s hit them at their most critical time of the year. From talking with dozens of restaurant and bar owners, if you close now, you will likely end up bankrupt and/or permanently closed.  My analysis has not changed. I continue to … Continue reading The Governor’s New Shutdown Order – Considerations for Restaurants

Philadelphia Implements Electronic License to Carry Firearms Application Process

I am pleased to announce that due to Firearm Policy Coalition's federal lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia - Fetsurka, et al v. City of Philadelphia, et al. - Philadelphia has implemented, effective immediately, an electronic license to carry firearms ("LTCF") application process; whereby, as set-forth more in-depth on its website - http://www.ppd-ltc.com, applicants can … Continue reading Philadelphia Implements Electronic License to Carry Firearms Application Process