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Somerset County commissioners oppose LD411, plan local testimony
Summary
Commissioners said LD411, a proposed state law to require destruction of all guns used in crimes, would conflict with the county's disposition policy and could eliminate local options such as auctioning safe firearms to benefit the sheriff’s office. The board will review drafted testimony at its next meeting.
At their April 2 meeting, the Somerset County Commissioners discussed LD411, "An Act to Amend the Law Governing the Disposition of Forfeited Firearms," and agreed the proposal raises conflicts with county policy.
Commissioner Joel Stetkis said the bill "interferes with County policy on disposition of equipment," reflecting the board's view that the county's amended 2024 County Disposition of Property Policy gives the sheriff authority to manage forfeited items. Commissioner Scott Seekins has drafted testimony opposing LD411 and the commissioners agreed to review that draft at the next meeting. No public hearing on LD411 had been scheduled at the time of the discussion.
The discussion noted the county's 2024 policy change permitting the sheriff to enact disposition procedures, and commissioners favored retaining local discretion — including a preference, among some members, for auctioning weapons deemed safe and returning proceeds to the Sheriff’s Office. The board took no formal vote on LD411 during the session and left next steps (including any formal testimony filing) for a future meeting.
