An important bill that grants cities the ability to prohibit the open carry of firearms moved out of committee before the February 3 cutoff.

SB 5568 allows cities, towns, and counties to restrict the open carry of a firearm at any public meeting, building, or facility owned or operated by a municipality. Additionally, the bill gives cities the option to ban the open carry of firearms at a permitted demonstration within their respective jurisdiction.

In committee, the bill picked up an amendment that would require a city to: “[indicate] by prominent signs at the public meeting, building, facility, or park providing notice that firearms and other weapons are prohibited.”

AWC continues to support this bill as it provides the option for local governments to restrict firearms but does not mandate a ban.

SB 5568 is now in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting floor action.