Your Board of Douglas County Commissioners has opted out of new state legislation seeking to prohibit firearms in sensitive places, continuing to allow the lawful possession of firearms in County government buildings.
Senate Bill 24-131, passed by the Colorado General Assembly on May 7, is expected to take effect July 1, 2024, and effectively ban the carrying of firearms in government buildings in Colorado. Local governments are permitted to opt out of the legislation, which Commissioners did by resolution at their regularly scheduled Business Meeting May 14.
“I’m very critical of this new state law,” said Commissioner George Teal. “We are a nation that was built on the principle of the right to keep and bear arms.”
“Douglas County is a constitutional county,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “We support the right of people to defend themselves.”
“Douglas County’s opting out of the requirements of the onerous SB24-131 allows visitors to county facilities and properties the ability to protect themselves as they choose,” said Commissioner Lora Thomas.
Current operations at the Douglas Justice Center and Courthouse will not be affected; however, the Commissioners have asked that a lockbox be placed at the entrance to the Justice Center for citizens to safely store firearms before entering the building.
Read the full resolution here or watch the May 14 Business Meeting on our YouTube channel.