State Representative Kathy Rapp has come out forcefully against a gubernatorial veto of legislation aimed at combating what she calls “illegal local gun ordinances.”

The bill is HB 979 and Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the measure last month.

The legislation was aimed at thwarting local attempts to regulate firearms. State law prohibits local regulations that conflict with state law, according to a legislative memo.

The bill was intended to deter local governments from implementing regulations by making them liable for attorney’s fees and any loss of income brought by someone who successfully challenges the regulations in court.

It also included a 60-day buffer to give municipalities the opportunity to pull back such ordinances before legal challenges can commence.

“Both our state and federal Constitutions make it crystal clear that our right to keep and bear arms shall not be questioned or infringed,” Rapp said in a Feb. 25 Facebook post.

She said the bill “would have helped combat illegal local gun ordinances and regulations that threaten the ability of law-abiding Pennsylvania firearm owners to defend themselves, their loved ones and private property against violent intruders.”

She also acknowledged that state law prohibits municipal regulations in this area but said that “some have chosen to break that law.

“As a member of the bipartisan Second Amendment Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that our sacred, God-given right to keep and bear arms is protected today and for future generations,” she said.

In his veto letter to the House, Wolf said the legislation “is an attack on local governments who take action to find common sense solutions to gun violence and is yet another bill that shows indifference to the safety of Pennsylvanians.”

“I have offered many ideas that would help keep Pennsylvanians safe while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners,” he said “And yes, I have not received a bill from the General Assembly that seeks to address this issue in a meaningful way. … I urge the Republican-controlled General Assembly to stop enabling the problem and step up and get part of the solution.”