Commissioners approve firearms resolution

Residents of Mesa County have retained the ability to carry firearms in most County facilities. During their June 25 public hearing, the Commissioners voted to approve a resolution that explicitly specifies which County government spaces residents are prohibited from open and concealed carrying guns. 

This comes after Governor Polis signed SB24-131 in May, which will prohibit any person from knowingly carrying a firearm in certain local government buildings and adjacent parking lots, including those where local government chambers, offices of elected members, or the offices of the chief executive officer of the local government are located. However, the bill includes a provision that allows local governments to opt-out if desired.

The County currently prohibits and will continue to prohibit people from carrying firearms in secured areas, including the Mesa County Justice Center, the Mesa County Criminal Justice Services Department facilities, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mesa County Detention Facility. 

SB24-131 and the County’s resolution will go into effect July 1. At this time, citizens will be expressly permitted to open carry firearms in existing and future County facilities except those controlled by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Mesa County Justice Center, and concealed carry in all except those controlled by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Criminal Justice Services, and the Mesa County Justice Center.