Weld County commissioners approve resolution opposing Colorado Senate Bill 25-003

The Weld County Board of Commissioners voted April 7 to adopt a resolution opposing Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 after public comment from the county sheriff, who described the proposed law as an unfunded mandate that would burden local law enforcement and lawful gun owners.

Steve Rainesville, Weld County sheriff, told the board the bill “does nothing to help public safety” and would create “an unfunded mandate on every sheriff’s office in the state of Colorado.” He urged the commissioners to support a county-level resolution opposing the measure and said he had gone to the governor’s desk to express his concerns.

Rainesville said the bill would require certifications and background checks that could overwhelm the sheriff’s office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation with applications, producing a backlog and new costs for county government. “This is one more step towards a complete ban of weapons in the state of Colorado in my mind,” he said.

Commissioner Kevin Ross moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Maxey seconded. The board voted to approve the resolution opposing Senate Bill 25-003.

Commissioners who spoke in favor of the resolution echoed the sheriff’s concerns about added administrative workload and said the proposed changes would not deter individuals intent on violent crime. Commissioners also noted that municipal and county leaders in other parts of the state, including Pueblo, had taken similar positions.

The resolution directs Weld County to register its formal opposition to the bill; the text was signed by the board.