HB 23-1165

House Bill 23-1165 allows county boards to create areas where it's illegal to fire guns, even on private property, as long as these areas have at least 35 homes per square mile. The bill also makes sure that police officers and people engaged in hunting or managing livestock can still use firearms in these restricted zones. This means counties will have more flexibility to set rules about where guns can be fired within their borders, affecting residents who live in densely populated unincorporated areas. Since the status of this bill is "signed," it has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning these new regulations are now enforceable.

Official Summary

Under existing law, a board of county commissioners (board) may designate unincorporated areas of a county where it is unlawful to discharge firearms (designated area) , except the board may not prohibit discharge of firearms in shooting galleries, on private grounds, or in residences under circumstances that do not endanger persons or property. A designated area must have an average population density of 100 persons or more per square mile. The bill repeals the exception for private property, repeals the minimum population density requirement, and instead requires that the designated area have 30 35 dwellings or more per square mile. A board is not allowed to prohibit discharge of a firearm in a designated area by a peace officer, in an indoor shooting gallery located in a private residence, or at a shooting range , pursuant to a wildlife management activity, or by a person engaged in a lawful hunting activity or livestock management. Under existing law, certain state laws concerning the state's liability for damages done to property by wild animals protected by the game laws of the state do not apply to a designated area. The bill repeals this exception. (Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.) (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Votes