With the new open carry law taking effect Jan. 1, Montgomery County will continue to utilize its existing security stations at several locations downtown to screen for illegal weapons, said County Judge Craig Doyal. This includes a new security station recently established at the Alan B. Sadler building in downtown Conroe.
“After consulting with the county attorney, district attorney and our county law enforcement, we have carefully reviewed the new law regarding open carry and are adopting security screening procedures which strike a balance between protecting 2nd Amendment rights and complying with the new law with the need to properly secure our courthouse and auxiliary buildings,” said Judge Doyal.
The new law permits handgun license holders to openly carry their weapons in multi-use county buildings, except in certain areas or buildings specified in the law, such as county courthouses.
As a result, the county has adopted the following practice:
- The original Montgomery County Courthouse and the walkway between the courthouse and the courthouse annex will be restricted and not allow open or concealed carry. Only attorneys, judges and law enforcement are permitted to carry.
- As of Jan 1 all persons entering a multi-use county building which currently has a security station will be required to pass through the security station unless they can exhibit or show a valid handgun license, employee badge, or attorney badge. This includes the Alan B. Sadler Building.
This policy recognizes the rights of license holders, while still protecting our county courthouse and multi-use buildings from people illegally carrying weapons, Judge Doyal said.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY FIRST ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY TALKS ABOUT OPEN CARRY
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