Screven County commissioners approve amended “2nd Amendment” resolution on 4–3 vote

The Screven County Board of Commissioners approved an amended version of a 2nd Amendment resolution on June 13, 2023, passing the measure by a 4–3 vote. Commissioner Allison Willis moved to approve the amended 2 version and later amended the motion to add the wording "2nd Amendment" to the title; Commissioner Ben Thompson seconded.

County Attorney Aaron Meyer, participating via Zoom, confirmed the change to the title was legally permissible, saying it "could be added to the title." The motion carried with Chairman Will Boyd, Commissioner Allison Willis, Commissioner Ben Thompson and Commissioner Mike Dixon voting in favor, and Commissioner Rosa Romeo, Commissioner Edwin Lovett and Commissioner J.C. Warren opposing.

The item drew several public comments during the meeting’s public-comment period. William Arthur, Pamela Arthur and Mary Felton spoke in support of the original version of the resolution; Uley Robbins urged the Board to oppose it, arguing that state law cannot override federal law. Patti Boddiford said she "believes in the right to bear arms but not with assault rifles" and asked the Board to vote against the resolution. Rita Junco and Gayle Morris also urged the Board to dismiss versions of the resolution.

The Board’s vote and the location of the approved text were recorded in the meeting minutes for the official record (see minute book). The transcript notes the Board discussed three versions of the resolution before choosing the amended 2 version and adding the explicit title wording. No further amendments were recorded during the meeting.