Committee postpones discussion of code change that would narrow affirmative defense for concealed-handgun licensees in certain city buildings

Clerk read item three on July 7 proposing amendments to city code to disallow use of an affirmative defense by concealed-handgun license holders in certain city-owned buildings. The item included references to several city-code sections read into the record.

The nut graph: Council President Jamie Dunphy and multiple council members said the proposal required additional conversation among council leadership and the city attorneys office, and they suggested the administration draft an administrative policy alternative that might achieve the same safety objectives without criminalizing compliant concealed-handgun license holders. The committee agreed to postpone substantive discussion to allow legal and administrative work.

Council President Jamie Dunphy said he had not yet discussed the item with Councilor Zimmerman and noted a change of lead attorney on the file; he offered to delay the item so administration and legal staff could prepare improved amendment language. Other members suggested that an administrative policy could achieve the stated safety aims and avoid the risk of imposing felony exposure on people who otherwise hold valid licenses.

Outcome: Committee postponed substantive review of the item to a later date to allow administration-led policy drafting and further discussion with legal counsel; the meeting adjourned thereafter.