A proposed gun control amendment that would solidify existing concealed-carry laws in Orange County has raised opposition — even though it wouldn’t actually change anything in practice.
On Tuesday night, Orange County officials will vote on a proposed amendment that would prohibit concealed weapons on any county-owned property, including many public parks.
Orange County has prohibited carrying concealed weapons in county parks and buildings since 1995. The amendment would simply identify the facilities at which a person cannot carry a weapon to add clarity to the rule.
“In essence, we are not changing the rules about firearms from what they currently are,” said Bernadette Pelissier, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
The amendment was proposed after the N.C. General Assembly voted in July 2011 to expand the ability of concealed-carry permittees to possess concealed weapons statewide.
The General Assembly simultaneously allowed local governments to regulate concealed weapons on local government-owned recreational facilities. They defined “recreational facilities” in the bill as “a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool (or) an athletic facility.”
Between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 254 concealed-carry permits were issued in Orange County, according to Maj. Charles Blackwood of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
And many North Carolina residents — including some who don’t live in the county — have voiced opposition to the proposed amendment.
Jacobs said he and other commissioners have received more than 50 emails, many of which are titled: “Comply with state law, do not end guns in parks.” The emails say the amendment violates the General Assembly’s provision.