SPECIAL NOTICE: No action on proposed firearms ordinance will be taken at Dec. 12 Commissioners' meeting

 

December 8, 2022

 

Special Notice from the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners

Status Update on Ordinance Restricting Open and Concealed Carry of Firearms and Weapons in the Kitsap County Administration Building and Restricting Possession, Sale, Purchase, or Trade of Firearms at the Thunderbird Arena and Stadium, Pavilion, and Presidents’ Hall

A public hearing on the proposed ordinance took place November 14, 2022, and a decision on the ordinance was continued to the Board of County Commissioners regular business meeting December 12 to allow for further public comment.

This is to inform the public that the Board of Commissioners will take no action on the proposed ordinance in the near future. The current proposal will be withdrawn from consideration at the upcoming December 12 board meeting and the proposal re-evaluated in the future. The Board extends its appreciation to everyone who participated in the public process. 

After discussing the proposed ordinance in a work study session December 7, the Board decided to withdraw the proposed ordinance that would have ended gun shows at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

Since the initial public hearing November 14, Commissioners received over 150 comments on the proposal from both sides of the issue.

The diversity of comments revealed how regulations regarding guns and gun shows can be polarizing but may also be used as an opportunity to discuss other important topics related to gun rights and public safety.

Challenges surrounding implementation were also highlighted and, at this junction, any substantive changes to the draft ordinance would require re-noticing for public comment.