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Cowlitz County commissioners raise constitutional, liability concerns about proposed law allowing noncitizen armed deputies
Summary
Commissioners discussed recent state legislative proposals to allow noncitizens to serve as armed law-enforcement officers. Several commissioners expressed concern that the state and federal constitutions bar noncitizens from carrying firearms in some contexts and said they plan to solicit public input.
During a public-remarks portion of the meeting, commissioners discussed a pending state legislative measure that would allow noncitizens to be hired for law enforcement roles. Commissioners said they have already received constituent emails and planned to invite public comment at the next meeting.
One commissioner said the topic is already generating public questions: “I’ve started to get a couple emails … on the hiring of non citizens for law enforcement,” the commissioner said, and asked staff to solicit public input. Other commissioners debated legal and liability implications, noting concerns about firearm-carry rules and civil-liability changes that have affected recruitment.
A commissioner cited constitutional constraints as an argument against the proposed change, saying a legal commentator had argued noncitizens are prohibited from carrying firearms under state and federal constitutions and that the legislature’s actions were a “knee jerk reaction.” An anonymous attendee posted in the meeting feed that “A lawful permanent resident can carry a gun with all the proper licenses.” The county said it will solicit public input and that commissioners expect public requests for direction on how the county will respond if state law changes.
Ending
Commissioners agreed to invite public comment on the issue at the next meeting and noted they may need to address public concerns if the state enacts changes.
