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Morgan County board and sheriff urge veto of SB25‑003, adopt joint resolution
Summary
The Morgan County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff David D. Martin approved a 3‑0 resolution opposing Senate Bill 25‑003, citing constitutional concerns and potential unfunded county costs; the sheriff said he and a dozen sheriffs had testified against the bill in the legislature.
The Morgan County Board of County Commissioners voted 3‑0 on March 18, 2025, to adopt Resolution 2025 BCC 15, a joint resolution with the Morgan County Sheriff opposing Senate Bill 25‑003 and urging Governor Jared Polis to veto the legislation.
Commissioner Kelvin S. Bernhardt presented the resolution, which states that SB25‑003 would regulate the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale and purchase of specified semi‑automatic firearms and classify a rapid‑fire device as a prohibited dangerous weapon. The resolution cites the U.S. Constitution, the Colorado Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court decisions including District of Columbia v. Heller, McDonald v. Chicago and United States v. Miller as part of its legal justification.
Morgan County Sheriff David D. Martin told the Board he had testified against SB25‑003 before the state legislature and read that testimony to the commissioners; he said he and 12 other sheriffs had provided testimony opposing the bill. The resolution argues the bill would impose new, unfunded county responsibilities for licensing and record‑keeping and could harm local firearm‑related businesses and the county economy.
Chairman Jon J. Becker said the Board believes criminal penalties — not restrictions on law‑abiding residents — are the appropriate focus for public safety policy. Commissioner Bernhardt read the resolution and moved approval; Commissioner Timothy A. Malone seconded the motion, which carried 3‑0.
The resolution directs the Board and Sheriff to send a joint letter to Governor Polis and state legislative leaders expressing Morgan County’s opposition and requesting a veto. The resolution names Senator Pelton and Representative Johnson as recipients of the letter.
