Claiborne County declares itself a ‘Second Amendment Sanctuary County’

The Claiborne County Commission voted 20–0 on Dec. 16 to adopt Resolution 2019-092 declaring Claiborne County a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County.” The resolution expresses the commission’s support for the individual right to keep and bear arms and opposes proposed state legislation authorizing extreme-risk protection orders (listed in the resolution as SB0943/HB1049).

The resolution text cites U.S. Supreme Court decisions including District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago and states the commission’s intent to “provide safe haven and protect the United States Constitution and the 2 Amendment Rights of law-abiding Claiborne County citizens.” The motion to approve was made and seconded during the meeting and carried by roll-call vote.

Commissioners did not attach additional enforcement language or specific directives to county staff; the resolution is a formal expression of the commission’s position rather than an ordinance that changes local law. The measure passed with unanimous support.

The commission recorded no separate motions to refer the matter for additional legal counsel or implementation steps. The resolution names the state bills under consideration and cites constitutional cases but does not specify departmental actions or enforcement mechanisms that would follow from the county’s declaration.

The commission’s next procedural steps were not set at the meeting; the resolution takes effect on passage, per the text approved by the commission.