Castle Rock Town Hall fixed, hundreds to go

If you've paid attention to the trends (and that's what we do here at RMGO) you've noticed that since the "Shall Issue" concealed carry bill passed the Colorado legislature in 2003, many municipalities have decided to create their own ordinances regarding firearms.

This is, of course, usually in direct contradiction to state law.

Local governments may not willy-nilly ban firearms in public buildings, unless they take some very costly steps to make that facility "safe" for the then-disarmed citizens.  But that doesn't stop them from trying.

Other cities try a different method: they simply post "No Firearms" signs on the doors, usually knowing full well they do not have the authority to stop concealed handgun permit holders unless they install metal detectors at every entrance and place full-time security personnel there.

Sometimes these cities just make up their own rules, never stopping to think that they can't do so.  After all, government can do what it wants, right?  The town of Castle Rock is just such a town.

Before Castle Rock Town Hall's sign, violating Colorado law.	After Now, Castle Rock isn't violating state law.  We'd rather it said nothing -- and allowed open carry -- but it's an important step.

As you can see from this picture of the entrance to City Hall (photo taken by yet another RMGO member/activist), this sign gives the impression that citizens are not allowed to carry firearms in this public facility even if carrying concealed with a permit.

Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-214(1)(a) makes carrying a concealed handgun valid "...In all areas of the state, except as specifically limited in..." other sections of law.  And, unless these municipalities go to the extra steps and expense (in these days of budget cuts, very few cities can afford it), they have no choice.

RMGO contacted the city of Castle Rock after a member took pictures of the sign at the entrance to Town Hall.  It took quite time, but with the diligence of an activist and RMGO's staff staying on task, they have now changed that sign to adequately inform citizens that carrying is indeed legal in that building.

Now, we simply have to expand that program to the dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of municipalities who are also skirting the law.

What can you do?  Donate to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners so that we have the staff time to follow up and fix these problems as we find them.  Click here to donate.

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