Screven County commissioners table proposed 2nd Amendment 'sanctuary' resolution after mixed public comment

Screven County commissioners voted April 11 to table consideration of a proposed 2nd Amendment resolution after multiple residents urged both passage and delay.

Commissioner Allison Willis moved to table the matter until the board’s next meeting; Commissioner Rosa Romeo seconded and the motion carried by a 6–1 majority, with Vice-Chairman J.C. Warren recorded in opposition. The board's action came after more than a dozen public comments during the meeting’s public-comment period.

David Pederson told the board the amended resolution remained unconstitutional, saying the changes did not remove his concerns. William Arthur, who presented the original version of the resolution, told commissioners that "some key points were cut from what I originally submitted" and that his draft was more aligned with Bulloch County's language. Several residents urged passage: Mary Felton said federal actions have repeatedly targeted certain weapons and supported adopting the resolution; Pamela Arthur said she was a single mother who wanted to "protect my kids" and favored passing it.

Other speakers raised objections. Patti Boddiford said she still had questions about designating Screven County a "Sanctuary County" and urged the board not to follow surrounding counties without careful study. Ben Counts objected to the wording including the phrase "by our Creator," calling the language inappropriate for a county resolution and arguing the state cannot override federal law. Kathryn Counts, an ex-Marine, also urged caution and recommended tabling the discussion to allow time for more information.

The tabled motion does not change the record of positions voiced during public comment; no ordinance or resolution was adopted at the meeting. The board is scheduled to revisit the item at its next regular meeting unless the sponsor withdraws it or brings a revised version earlier.