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Martin County adopts ordinance banning deadly weapons in county buildings
Summary
On second reading the Board adopted an ordinance that makes it unlawful to carry deadly weapons inside county buildings, with specified exceptions for law enforcement, judges and certain district attorney staff; violations are a Class 1 misdemeanor and the ordinance took effect immediately.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners voted Sept. 11 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting deadly weapons in county government buildings.
The ordinance makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to carry a deadly weapon inside a Martin County government building and explicitly bans carrying a concealed handgun inside county buildings regardless of whether the person holds a concealed handgun permit. Deadly weapons are permitted on county property only if stored in a locked vehicle or a closed compartment or carrying case affixed to the vehicle.
The ordinance includes specific exceptions: law enforcement officers while on duty; judges or magistrates with appropriate concealed-handgun permits; the district attorney, assistant district attorney or investigators employed by the district attorney’s office (with proper permits); federal employees performing official duties; and National Guard or militia members called into actual service and acting within their official duties. Violation of the ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The ordinance states it is effective immediately upon adoption.
The item originated from a volunteer intern, Sadie Tice, who presented a proposed ordinance at the Aug. 14 meeting; because one commissioner was absent at that meeting, state law required a second reading before the ordinance could take effect. Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. moved to adopt the revised ordinance and Commissioner Ronnie Smith seconded; the Board approved the ordinance unanimously (5-0).
