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Mayor Parker signs 3 new public safety bills to combat guns, speeding and evictions

By and FOX 29 Staff
Updated  June 18, 2024 7:31pm EDT
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FOX 29 Philadelphia

Mayor Parker signs 3 new public safety bills

On Tuesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed three new public safety bills into law that will protect the city from the dangers of rate-of-fire acceleration devices (guns), excessive speeding on major roadways, and evictions.

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle Parker is aiming to improve the quality of life for those living in Philadelphia with the signing of new public safety bills.

Mayor Parker signed three public safety bills into law at City Hall Tuesday afternoon alongside city council members and public safety advocates.

The bills, which are now laws, address the "dangers of rate-of-fire acceleration devices (guns), excessive speeding on major roadways and evictions," according to the mayor's office.

Here is a breakdown of each bill: 

Gun ‘Switch’ Legislation

Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. in May, the bill bans the production, purchase, sale, transfer, or possession of rate-of-fire acceleration devices, including switches, in the City of Philadelphia.

"The bill helps to level the ballistic playing field so that police officers and citizens are not outgunned," said Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr.

Broad Street Automated Speed Cameras

Introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla in May, the bill allows for the installation of automated speed cameras on Broad Street. By slowing drivers down, the city says it make crashes less likely to happen, saving lives and making our city a safer place to travel for everyone, motorists included.

"I was pleased to sponsor and pass legislation to expand speed cameras to Broad St. We became aware it is the road with the highest pedestrian fatalities and are hopeful that the cameras will prevent accidents in the future," said Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Landlord Tenant Officers’ Eviction Training

Introduced by Councilmember Kendra Brooks in January, this bill ensures that any entity carrying out an eviction, has the proper training to do so. This involves mandating a requirement for more training for individuals or private entities that carry out evictions of tenants.

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The bill signing comes just days after Parker signed her $6.37 billion 'One Philly' budget into law.

In April, the mayor signed her first public safety bills into law, banning skill games at convenience stores and gas stations; cracking down on license plate flipping devices; and mandating an 11 p.m. curfew for most businesses in Kensington.