As has been reported by the AP, municipalities are ignoring a recently enacted state law (HB 360, S.L. 2011-268) regarding concealed handguns.

Local governments can’t pass ordinances that would prohibit people from carrying concealed handguns in local parks.  However, they may, but don’t have to, restrict the carrying of concealed handguns in recreational facilities.

The law makes it very clear what the term “recreational facilities” includes:

[T]he term “recreational facilities” includes only the following: a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, and an athletic facility.” [Emphasis added].

The town of Blocking Rock, for example, has a proposed ordinance (not clear if it passed yet) that would also prohibit concealed handguns in restroom facilities, a gazebo, and green space, among other things.

It doesn’t require a legal scholar to tell you that the town ignored the very specific and clear definition of “recreational facilities.”

From the AP article:

Grass Roots North Carolina, a gun rights advocacy group, says many cities are overstepping their bounds by interpreting the legal definitions as broadly as possible so that, for example, an entire park could be declared a “recreation facility,” or a lake could be redefined as a swimming pool.

The actions of these municipalities is far from unusual.  The consistent disregard of state law by municipalities is a a serious problem.  Their mentality is “just sue us,” knowing citizens won’t be aware of any legal violations or won’t have the means or incentives to go to court.

There needs to be some serious discussion on how to address the complete disrespect of law by municipalities.  The discussion also should look at other local governmental units and state agencies.