Current law exempts local government buildings from places where those with valid weapons carry licenses can carry firearms. A new substitute to SB 98 allows firearms in county, city and state government buildings and, furthermore, prohibits governments from banning them.  

 

The bill also preempts local governments from regulating any deadly weapons (swords, Chinese stars, nunchucks, etc.).  Because there is little state law regulating these types of weapons, they would become mostly unregulated.  Finally, local governments would be required make their "best efforts" to return forfeited or abandoned firearms to "innocent owners" although innocent owners is not defined and best efforts could prove costly.  If the innocent owner cannot be found, firearms must be disposed of by sale to licensed firearms dealers, importers or manufacturers.  County employees cannot purchase these firearms, nor could the county retain them.       

 

ACCG had compromised in good faith last session on a version of SB 98 which included permissive, acceptable language.  The bill proponents went back on this compromise with the surprise substitute unveiled and passed in the committee on Thursday.  ACCG objects to a blanket, preemptive allowance for firearms in local government buildings.