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States and counties that have passed Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) laws or resolutions as of February 17, 2023. Localities within counties that have adopted such resolutions are not displayed in this map.
  County level
  State level
  Both state and county levels

A Second Amendment sanctuary, also known as a gun sanctuary, is a state, county, or locality in the United States that has adopted laws or resolutions to prohibit or impede the enforcement of certain gun control measures which are perceived to violate the Second Amendment, such as universal gun background checks, high capacity magazine bans, assault weapon bans, red flag laws, etc.[1][2] Although other jurisdictions had previously adopted legislation now characterized as creating Second Amendment sanctuaries, the Carroll County, Maryland Board of Commissioners is thought to be the first body to explicitly use the term "sanctuary" in its resolution on May 22, 2013[3] and Effingham County, Illinois County Board is thought to have popularized the term on April 16, 2018.[4][5][1][6]

Examples of the resolutions include the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance in Oregon[7] and the Second Amendment Protection Act in Kansas.[8] The term "sanctuary" draws its inspiration from the immigration sanctuary cities movement of jurisdictions that have resolved to not assist federal enforcement of immigration laws against illegal immigrants.[5][9][10][11]

State laws

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Although some of the state laws listed below were approved prior to the adoption of the term "sanctuary",[12][13] they are now frequently characterized as part of the Second Amendment sanctuary movement.[4][1] Montana was the first state to attempt passage of such bills in 2005, eventually passing in 2009, though it ended up being struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.[14]

Alabama

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On April 13, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Second Amendment Preservation Act (SB 2). The full text may be read here.[15]

Alaska

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On July 9, 2010, Governor Sean Parnell signed the Alaska Firearms Freedom Act (HB 186), declaring that certain firearms and accessories are exempt from federal regulation.[16] The text can be read here.[17] On September 10, 2013, Governor Parnell signed HB 69, which amended and expanded HB 186.[18][19] The text can be read here.[20]

Arizona

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On April 5, 2010, Governor Jan Brewer signed HB 2307 which exempted intrastate firearms from federal law.[21] On April 6, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed the 2nd Amendment Firearm Freedom Act (HB 2111), which prohibits the state and all political subdivisions from assisting in the enforcement of federal firearm laws and regulations when they are inconsistent with state law.[22][23]

On June 22, 2021, the city of Tucson passed a resolution to ignore the statewide Second Amendment sanctuary law.[24]

Arkansas

[edit]

On April 26, 2021, Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed SB298, The Arkansas Sovereignty Act Of 2021. The Senate promptly overrode the governor's veto later the same day.[25][26][27] The House decided to postpone its veto override vote and instead, on April 27, passed HB1957, a less expansive version of the bill; the Senate then passed it as well shortly after midnight on April 28.[28] The governor signed it on April 29, 2021.[29][30]

Idaho

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On March 19, 2014, Governor Butch Otter signed SB 1332 to protect Idaho law enforcement officers from being directed by the federal government to violate citizens' rights under Section 11, Article I of the Idaho Constitution.[31][32] The text can be read here.[33] Previously, HJM 3 was passed in 2009.[34] That text can be read here.[35]

Kansas

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On April 16, 2013, Governor Sam Brownback signed the Second Amendment Protection Act.[8][36] The text can be read here.[37]

Kentucky

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On March 28, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear didn't either sign nor veto HB 153, upon which it proceeded to the Secretary of State Michael Adams and then became law without the Governor's signature.[38] The text can be read here.[39]

Missouri

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On June 12, 2021, Governor Mike Parson signed the Second Amendment Preservation Act (HB 85), which will "reject any attempt by the federal government to circumvent the fundamental right Missourians have to keep and bear arms to protect themselves and their property."[40][41][42] A similar bill had been passed in 2013, but was vetoed; a veto override passed in the House but failed by 1 vote in the Senate.[43][44] In February 2023, a federal judge struck down the Second Amendment Preservation Act as a violation of the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.[45]

Montana

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On February 18, 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte signed HB 0258 banning the enforcement of federal bans on firearms, magazines, or ammunition. The bill applies retroactively to January 1, 2021.[46][47][48] Previously, Montana had passed the Montana Firearms Freedom Act (HB 246) in 2009 which exempted from federal law firearms manufactured within the state and that remain in the state.[49] The law was subsequently struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.[50]

Nebraska

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On April 14, 2021, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation that designated Nebraska as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State."[51] This proclamation is merely symbolic and does not carry the weight of law.

New Hampshire

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On June 24, 2022, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1178, an act "prohibiting the state from enforcing any federal statute, regulation, or Presidential Executive Order that restricts or regulates the right of the people to keep and bear arms."

North Dakota

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On April 22, 2021, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1383, which limits enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of federal firearms laws enacted after January 1, 2021, that are more restrictive than state law.[52] On April 26, 2021, Burgum also signed a proclamation which designated North Dakota as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State."[53][54]

Oklahoma

[edit]

On April 26, 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt signed the Second Amendment Sanctuary State Act (SB 631) which prevents the confiscation or surrender of firearms, gun accessories, or ammunition from law-abiding Oklahomans, protecting the right to keep and bear arms guaranteed by the United States Constitution.[55][56] In May 2020, Oklahoma became the first of four states to have enacted an anti-red flag law. The law specifically "prohibits the state or any city, county or political subdivision from enacting red flag laws."[57][58]

South Carolina

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On May 17, 2021, Governor Henry McMaster signed H.3094, also known as the Open Carry With Training Act. Section 9 of H.3094 notes "the state of South Carolina and its political subdivisions cannot be compelled" to enforce federal laws that regulate an individual's right to carry concealable weapons openly or concealed. Any such law must first be evaluated by the Attorney General who shall issue a written opinion on if it can be enforced.[59][60][61]

South Dakota

[edit]

On March 12, 2010, Governor Mike Rounds signed SB 89.[62] However, Sanctuarycounties.com, a pro-sanctuary county website tracking the movement does not consider this a Second Amendment sanctuary law, claiming it is more geared towards protecting firearm and ammunition manufacturers within the state from federal regulation, rather than the Second Amendment rights of state citizens.[63]

Tennessee

[edit]

On May 26, 2021, Governor Bill Lee signed the "Tennessee Second Amendment Sanctuary Act" (SB 1335) which prohibits Tennessee or any of its subdivisions from enforcing "any law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation of the United States government that violates the Second Amendment".[64][65] Previously, the Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act was passed in 2009.[66][67]

Texas

[edit]

On June 16, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott signed the Second Amendment Sanctuary Act (87(R) HB 2622). The Act went into effect September 1, 2021, and prohibits Texas agencies from assisting the federal government in enforcing federal gun-control laws passed after January 19, 2021. The text of the Act can be read here.[68]

Utah

[edit]

On February 26, 2010, Governor Gary Herbert signed the Utah State-made Firearms Protection Act (SB 11).[69] Like the South Dakota bill, Sanctuarycounties.com does not consider this a Second Amendment sanctuary law, claiming it's more focused towards protecting firearm and ammunition manufacturers within the state than the rights of state citizens.[70]

West Virginia

[edit]

On April 27, 2021, Governor Jim Justice signed the Second Amendment Preservation and Anti-Federal Commandeering Act (HB 2694) which prohibits the federal commandeering of employees and agencies of the state for the purpose of enforcing federal firearms laws. HB 2694 also prohibits police departments and officers from executing red flag laws or federal search warrants on firearms, accessories, or ammunition of law abiding persons.[71]

Wyoming

[edit]

On March 11, 2010, Governor Dave Freudenthal signed the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act. The text can be read here.[72]

Local laws

[edit]

Arkansas

[edit]

4 out of 75 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Arizona

[edit]

5 out of 15 counties and 1 city have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[77]

California

[edit]

5 out of 58 counties and 1 city have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Colorado

[edit]

39 out of 64 counties, 3 cities, and 4 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97]

Florida

[edit]

38 out of 67 counties, 3 cities, and 1 town have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions.[99]

In 2013, all 67 sheriffs in Florida had signed a letter saying that they will not enforce laws that violate the Constitution or infringe on the rights of the people to own firearms.[100]

Georgia

[edit]

23 out of 159 counties and 1 city have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Illinois

[edit]

68 out of 102 counties, 2 cities, and 4 townships have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173]

Indiana

[edit]

9 out of 92 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:


Kansas

[edit]

1 out of 105 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Kentucky

[edit]

115 out of 120 counties and 6 cities have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[185]

Louisiana

[edit]

6 out of 64 parishes has adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[283]

Maine

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1 out of 16 counties and 1 town have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[286]

Maryland

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6 out of 23 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Michigan

[edit]

51 out of 83 counties, 1 city, and 6 townships have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions. On February 25, 2020, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to reaffirm the Second Amendment.[291] The text can be read here.[292]

Minnesota

[edit]

17 out of 87 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Mississippi

[edit]

9 out of 82 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary, safe haven, or other pro-Second Amendment resolutions:

Missouri

[edit]

1 out of 114 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary, safe haven, or other pro-Second Amendment resolutions:

Nebraska

[edit]

4 out of 93 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Nevada

[edit]

10 out of 16 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions.[370][371][372][373][374][375][376][377]

All 17 sheriffs in Nevada (16 county and 1 Carson City) and have signed a letter expressing their support for the Second Amendment.[378]


New Jersey

[edit]

7 out of 21 counties, 25 townships, and 5 boroughs (30 of 565 total municipalities) have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

New Mexico

[edit]

26 out of 33 counties, 6 cities, and 1 town have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions;[399][400] Taos initially passed a resolution[401] but later repealed it.[402]

30 out of 33 county sheriffs have signed a letter by the New Mexico Sheriffs Association vowing to not assist in enforcing certain gun control.[403]

New York

[edit]
County opposition to SAFE Act

The SAFE Act was passed in 2013. After passage, New York counties started passing resolutions opposing the SAFE Act. There are currently 52 out of 62 counties with such resolutions. The New York State Sheriffs Association joined a lawsuit to block the law as an amicus curiae.[413]

1 out of 62 counties and 2 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[414]

North Carolina

[edit]

68 out of 100 counties, 1 city, and 2 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[416]

Ohio

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25 out of 88 counties and 3 township have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Oklahoma

[edit]

26 out of 77 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[520]

Oregon

[edit]

24 out of 36 counties and 1 city have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[536][537][538][539]

Pennsylvania

[edit]

3 out of 67 counties and 2 townships have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Rhode Island

[edit]

0 out of 8 cities and 10 out of 31 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions;[548][549] while Rhode Island has 5 counties, there is no local government at that level.[550]

South Carolina

[edit]

3 out of 46 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Tennessee

[edit]

53 out of 95 counties, 1 city, and 1 town have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[554][555][556][557][558][559][560][561][562]

Texas

[edit]

77 out of 254 counties, 1 city, and 2 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[604][605][606][607][608][609][610][611][612]

Utah

[edit]

2 out of 29 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Vermont

[edit]

0 out of 14 counties and 13 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Virginia

[edit]
See also: 2020 VCDL Lobby Day

91 out of 95 counties, 17 out of 38 independent cities, and 40 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:[687][688][689][690][691][692][693][694]

On December 19, 2019, at the request of Del. Jerrauld C. Jones (D-Norfolk), state Attorney General Mark Herring issued an advisory opinion indicating the sanctuary resolutions were null and void.[824][825] A press release quoted him as saying: “When the General Assembly passes new gun safety laws they will be enforced, and they will be followed. These resolutions have no legal force, and they're just part of an effort by the gun lobby to stoke fear”.[824][825] Del. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) claimed that Herring's recent opinion contradicted his 2014 stance "regarding the supremacy of state law over the preferences of the officials who must enforce them".[825] Gilbert was referring to Herring's refusal to defend Virginia's Marshall-Newman Amendment, a voter-approved constitutional provision that prohibited same-sex marriages.[825][826]

West Virginia

[edit]

24 out of 55 counties, 3 cities, and 2 towns have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Wisconsin

[edit]

20 out of 72 counties and 1 city have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary (or other pro-Second Amendment) resolutions:

Local law enforcement resistance

[edit]

Illinois

[edit]

Besides the Second Amendment Sanctuaries listed above by law, sheriffs of 26 counties and the police chief of 1 municipality listed below have vowed not to enforce any part of gun control legislation HB 5471 or the "Protect Illinois Communities Act" signed in 2023.[877][878][879][880][881][882]

Washington

[edit]
Main article: Washington Initiative 1639 § Enforcement refusals

County sheriffs in 24 of the 39 counties and the police chief of one city have vowed to not enforce parts or all of the 2018 gun control ballot measure I-1639 while it is being challenged in court:[883][884][885][886]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Second Amendment sanctuary

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A Second Amendment sanctuary denotes a —typically a , , or —in the United States that adopts a resolution, ordinance, or policy declaring its refusal to allocate resources toward enforcing restrictions deemed violative of the Second Amendment's guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms. These measures originated in the late , primarily as local pushback against state-level enactments following high-profile shootings, with early adopters in states like modeling the framework after immigration sanctuary declarations to signal non-cooperation with perceived unconstitutional mandates. By 2021, approximately 1,965 , , and towns across more than 40 states had implemented such policies, representing a substantial share of U.S. territory and population in rural and conservative-leaning areas. Legally, these sanctuaries leverage law enforcement discretion and the federal anti-commandeering doctrine, which precludes federal authorities from compelling local officials to implement national policies, though they hold limited efficacy against state preemption laws that override local non-enforcement vows. Critics, often from advocacy groups, contend they foster selective lawbreaking and erode public safety, while proponents argue they embody federalism's checks against legislative overreach, particularly post the Supreme Court's affirmation of an individual right to armed unbound by historical analogues in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The movement underscores broader cultural divides on gun rights, with empirical data showing higher adoption in regions exhibiting stronger support for constitutional carry and resistance to regulatory expansion, yet facing judicial invalidation where conflicting with superior statutes.

Definition and Conceptual Framework

Core Definition and Principles

A Second Amendment sanctuary refers to a state, , , or other local in the United States that has passed a resolution, ordinance, or law declaring its refusal to enforce certain federal, state, or local regulations perceived as infringing on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. These declarations typically pledge that local law enforcement and government resources will not be used to implement or assist in the execution of measures deemed unconstitutional, such as restrictions on possession, registration requirements, or bans on specific types of arms. For instance, resolutions often specify non-cooperation with laws like red flag provisions or assault weapon bans if they conflict with interpretations of the Second Amendment as an individual right affirmed by the in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008). The core principles underlying Second Amendment sanctuaries emphasize and limited government intervention in protected constitutional rights. Rooted in the Tenth Amendment, which reserves to the states or the people powers not delegated to the federal government, these sanctuaries assert local to prioritize enforcement discretion over laws viewed as exceeding federal or state authority. This approach draws on the anti-commandeering doctrine established in cases like (1997), which prohibits the federal government from compelling state or local officials to administer federal regulatory programs, thereby allowing jurisdictions to decline participation in enforcement without violating supremacy principles. Proponents argue that such policies reflect a practical exercise of prosecutorial and priorities, where sheriffs and local officials deprioritize unpopular statutes to align with community Second Amendment values, rather than outright nullification. Critics, including some legal scholars, contend that sanctuaries against state laws may conflict with preemption doctrines, where state legislatures intend uniform application of their statutes, potentially rendering local non-enforcement pledges symbolic or subject to judicial override. However, empirical patterns show these declarations influencing local behavior, as evidenced by over 2,000 counties adopting such measures by 2020, often correlating with rural areas opposing urban-driven gun control. The principles prioritize empirical resistance to perceived erosions of self-defense rights, grounded in historical understandings of the Second Amendment as a bulwark against tyranny, without relying on abstract ideological framing.

Distinction from Immigration Sanctuaries

Second Amendment sanctuaries and immigration sanctuaries both represent forms of local resistance to higher authorities' laws deemed incompatible with local values or constitutional principles, often invoking the anti-commandeering doctrine established in (1997), which prohibits federal mandates compelling state or local officials to enforce federal regulations. However, immigration sanctuaries, emerging in the 1980s, focus on limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, such as declining to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers or share information on undocumented individuals' status, with the aim of fostering community trust and protecting residents regardless of legal status. In distinction, Second Amendment sanctuaries emphasize non-enforcement of restrictions—frequently state-level laws like assault weapon bans or capacity limits—that local jurisdictions declare violate the Second Amendment's guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms for . Unlike policies, which uniformly resist federal overreach without challenging the underlying immigration statutes' validity, many Second Amendment resolutions explicitly deem conflicting gun laws "null and void" within their borders, directing local to prioritize constitutional fidelity over statutory compliance and, in some cases, authorizing arrests of officials attempting enforcement. Legal hurdles also diverge: immigration sanctuaries benefit from principles shielding localities from direct , facing primarily political repercussions like funding cuts under such as those in , but rarely state preemption since they align with permissive local discretion in federal matters. Second Amendment sanctuaries, by contrast, often confront state preemption doctrines when defying uniform statewide regulations, as state constitutions or statutes may mandate consistent enforcement, leading to invalidations of local nullification attempts, as seen in rulings against counties in states like and by 2023. Politically, sanctuaries align with progressive priorities emphasizing humanitarian protections, predominantly adopted in urban, Democratic-leaning areas, whereas Second Amendment sanctuaries reflect conservative commitments to , surging in rural, Republican-dominated counties post-2018 midterm elections amid fears of federal overreach like expansions. This partisan inversion underscores a shared tactical framework—local discretion against perceived tyranny—but applied to ideologically opposed policy domains, with Second Amendment variants risking greater enforcement friction due to their proactive nullification language.

Historical Development

Early Precursors and Initial Resolutions

The concept of Second Amendment sanctuaries emerged from broader traditions of local resistance to perceived overreach in firearms regulation, drawing parallels to immigration sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal enforcement, a practice originating in the 1980s with church-based protections for Central American refugees. This approach was legally bolstered by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Printz v. United States (1997), which prohibited federal commandeering of state and local officials to implement regulatory programs like the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act's background checks, affirming that such duties violate the Tenth Amendment's anti-commandeering principle. Prior to formalized sanctuary resolutions, numerous rural sheriffs across states including Arizona, Colorado, and Washington publicly declared in the mid-2010s—particularly following executive actions on gun control during the Obama administration—that they would not enforce federal measures deemed unconstitutional, such as restrictions on semi-automatic rifles or ammunition sales, prioritizing their oaths to the Constitution over federal mandates. These pre-2018 declarations, often issued via open letters or press statements, laid groundwork for organized non-enforcement by emphasizing local discretion in prosecution and resource allocation. The initial wave of explicit Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions began in early 2018 amid state-level pushes for stricter gun laws following the February Parkland school shooting, with , adopting the first such measure on April 16, 2018. The county board approved the resolution by an 8-1 vote, proclaiming Effingham a "sanctuary county for the Second Amendment" and instructing county employees, including law enforcement, to refrain from enforcing any statutes, rules, or regulations that "infringe upon the right to keep and bear arms" as protected by the U.S. and constitutions. This action was prompted by fears of impending state legislation expanding background checks and red-flag laws, reflecting rural opposition to urban-dominated state assemblies. Effingham's resolution explicitly cited the Second Amendment's individual right to self-defense, as affirmed in (2008), and invoked nullification-like language to assert local sovereignty against unconstitutional acts. Subsequent early resolutions proliferated in Illinois, where by mid-2018 at least a dozen counties, including neighboring Clay and Fayette, followed Effingham's model with similar non-enforcement pledges tailored to resist state bills like House Bill 888, which sought assault weapon bans. The framework quickly crossed state lines; for instance, Klickitat County, Washington, passed a "gun sanctuary" resolution on May 7, 2018, vowing non-cooperation with state initiatives mirroring California's restrictive policies. These initial adoptions, numbering over 50 by late 2018 across Illinois, Oregon, and New Mexico, typically involved county commissions or sheriffs' offices passing non-binding ordinances that directed fiscal and prosecutorial resources away from 2A-infringing laws, while affirming support for constitutional carry and private firearm ownership. Organizers, often local gun rights advocates, framed these as defensive measures against legislative encroachments, echoing historical county-state tensions in federalist systems.

Surge in Adoption (2018–2020)

The adoption of Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions experienced a marked increase from 2018 to 2020, driven by local opposition to anticipated state gun control measures following electoral shifts and legislative proposals perceived as infringing on constitutional rights to bear arms. The trend originated in earnest on April 16, 2018, when Effingham County, Illinois, became the first locality to pass such a resolution, directing county employees not to enforce future Illinois state laws deemed violative of the Second Amendment. This action set a precedent amid broader concerns over expanding state restrictions post-Parkland shooting, with subsequent resolutions in Illinois counties signaling early momentum. A significant escalation occurred in late 2019 after Democrats secured majorities in the , prompting fears of stringent gun laws including assault weapon bans and red flag provisions. In response, over 120 Virginia towns, cities, and counties declared Second Amendment sanctuary status within two months, often by overwhelming margins in county boards and town councils. By November 2019, dozens of counties had acted, with resolutions pledging non-cooperation in enforcing unconstitutional firearms regulations. Similar patterns emerged in other states: saw 30 of 33 counties adopt resolutions after 2019 expansions, while and localities followed suit amid ballot initiatives and legislative pushes for restrictions. By January 2020, the movement had expanded to more than 400 municipalities across at least 20 states, reflecting a pushback coordinated by gun rights organizations and amplified by local officials emphasizing enforcement discretion against superior jurisdictions' edicts. These declarations, while largely symbolic with limited legal enforceability, underscored rural and conservative resistance to urban-driven policy, paralleling strategies but inverted to protect ownership. The surge tapered slightly by mid-2020 amid the but solidified the framework for further expansions.

Expansion and State Legislation (2021–Present)

Following the surge of local resolutions between 2018 and 2020, Second Amendment sanctuary declarations expanded significantly at both state and local levels from 2021 onward, with several states enacting legislation or proclamations to limit enforcement of federal firearm regulations perceived as infringing on the right to keep and bear arms. In April 2021, six states—, , , , , and —adopted measures designating themselves as Second Amendment sanctuaries, often prohibiting state resources from aiding federal enforcement of specified laws. Oklahoma formalized its status through Senate Bill 631, signed into law by Governor on April 27, 2021, which created the Second Amendment Sanctuary State Act and defined certain federal actions as infringements on Second Amendment rights, directing state agencies to refrain from assisting in their implementation. Similarly, Nebraska Governor issued a proclamation on April 14, 2021, declaring the state a Second Amendment sanctuary and committing to protect residents' firearm rights against overreaching federal policies. Tennessee enacted the Second Amendment Sanctuary Act via Senate Bill 1335 in the 112th (effective 2022), prohibiting state and local governments from expending funds or personnel to enforce federal regulations deemed violative of the Second Amendment. Missouri's Second Amendment Preservation Act, passed in June 2021 and signed by Governor , represented a more assertive approach by declaring invalid in the state any federal firearm laws, executive orders, or regulations infringing on Second Amendment rights, and barring state cooperation in their enforcement. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled the act unconstitutional in August 2024, citing violation of the , a decision upheld by the U.S. in October 2025 when it denied Missouri's petition for . This ruling highlighted tensions between state non-enforcement pledges and federal authority, though proponents argued it preserved local discretion without directly obstructing federal agents. At the local level, adoption continued to proliferate, reaching approximately 2,000 counties and municipalities across more than 40 states by early , representing nearly half of U.S. counties and reflecting sustained grassroots momentum amid federal legislative pushes for restrictions post-2020. States like , , and saw majority-county coverage despite opposing state-level policies, with resolutions often citing constitutional fidelity over practical nullification. Efforts in states such as advanced in the legislature in 2021 but were vetoed by Governor , illustrating partisan divides in state capitols. These developments underscored a decentralized resistance strategy, prioritizing sheriff discretion and resource non-allocation while facing scrutiny over enforceability under federal supremacy.

Constitutional Arguments Supporting Sanctuaries

Proponents of Second Amendment sanctuaries argue that local officials, bound by their oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," possess a constitutional duty to prioritize the Second Amendment over any conflicting federal or state enactments perceived as infringements on the right to keep and bear arms. This oath, required under Article VI of the Constitution for state and local officers exercising federal authority, implies resistance to laws deemed unconstitutional, as articulated in sanctuary resolutions that declare opposition to legislation lacking historical tradition consistent with the Second Amendment's text and principles. Such declarations position non-enforcement not as nullification but as fidelity to the Supremacy Clause, which elevates the Constitution above ordinary statutes; unconstitutional acts are void ab initio, per the principle established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), rendering enforcement by subordinate officials incompatible with constitutional supremacy. The individual right protected by the Second Amendment, affirmed as fundamental and incorporated against the states via the Fourteenth Amendment in (2010), provides a textual limit on legislative power at all levels of government. Sanctuary advocates contend that post-New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), which mandates gun regulations conform to historical analogues from the founding era, numerous modern restrictions—such as assault weapon bans or magazine limits—fail this test and thus cannot compel local cooperation. Localities, as extensions of sovereign states under the Tenth Amendment's reservation of non-delegated powers, retain discretion to withhold resources from enforcing such facially invalid measures, avoiding complicity in potential rights violations. Regarding federal gun laws, the anti-commandeering doctrine, rooted in the Tenth Amendment and Tenth Amendment's structural federalism, prohibits Congress from conscripting state or local executives to implement regulatory programs, as held in (1997), which invalidated provisions of the Brady Act requiring local officials to conduct background checks. Applied to Second Amendment contexts, this shields sheriffs and county governments from mandatory participation in federal firearms enforcement schemes that may exceed constitutional bounds, preserving local autonomy and preventing the diffusion of federal overreach through coerced state machinery. Even for intrastate conflicts, proponents extend analogous reasoning via "subfederal anti-commandeering," asserting that states cannot command localities to violate the incorporated Second Amendment, akin to how the doctrine limits federal-state dynamics. Enforcement discretion further bolsters these claims, as elected officials like sheriffs—often described by gun rights organizations as the "last line of defense" for constitutional rights—exercise prosecutorial and operational judgment without violating . This mirrors historical practices where local executives declined to implement unpopular or dubious laws, aligning with the Framers' intent to diffuse power and check centralized authority, as evidenced in ordinances championed by groups emphasizing preservation against perceived encroachments. While critics invoke Dillon's Rule in home-rule jurisdictions to argue limited local authority, supporters counter that constitutional oaths transcend statutory delegation, obligating non-cooperation with any measure undermining enumerated rights.

Federal Supremacy and Enforcement Discretion

The of the , found in Article VI, Clause 2, establishes that the , s, and treaties constitute the supreme , preempting any conflicting state or local measures. In the context of Second Amendment sanctuaries, this principle limits declarations that attempt to nullify or invalidate federal firearms regulations, as such actions create direct conflicts with federal authority. For instance, Missouri's Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2021, which purported to render certain federal gun laws "invalid" within the state and prohibited state and local cooperation in their enforcement, was ruled unconstitutional by a in 2023, with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirming the decision on August 26, 2024, on grounds that it violated the by undermining federal regulatory power over interstate commerce and taxation related to firearms. Similar challenges have targeted state-level sanctuary laws that go beyond non-enforcement to impose penalties on federal agents or declare federal statutes unenforceable, reinforcing that local entities cannot obstruct the validity or direct application of . Despite supremacy constraints, Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions typically emphasize non-enforcement policies rather than outright nullification, asserting that local governments will not allocate resources to assist in federal firearms regulation deemed inconsistent with the Second Amendment. This approach draws on the anti-commandeering doctrine, articulated by the in (521 U.S. 898, 1997), which held that the federal government cannot compel state or local officials to administer or enforce federal regulatory programs. In Printz, the Court invalidated provisions of the requiring local chief law enforcement officers to conduct background checks for handgun purchases, ruling that such mandates infringe on state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment. Sanctuary advocates invoke this precedent to justify refusing voluntary cooperation with agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arguing that federal law does not require local participation in its own execution. Federal enforcement discretion operates independently of local actions, as the national government retains to deploy its own agents and resources to uphold firearms laws without state assistance. Legal analyses note that while sanctuaries may symbolically resist perceived overreach, their practical impact is circumscribed by federal supremacy, as U.S. Attorneys and ATF personnel can continue investigations, seizures, and prosecutions unhindered by local non-cooperation. Courts have upheld this distinction in analogous contexts, such as immigration sanctuaries, where refusal to honor federal detainers does not invalidate federal immigration but limits intergovernmental collaboration. Critics, including organizations, contend that sanctuary policies indirectly challenge by fostering defiance, though empirical evidence of widespread federal prosecution interference remains limited, with enforcement relying primarily on federal initiative rather than local support. Proponents counter that such aligns with principles, preserving local priorities without usurping ional power to define offenses.

Key Court Challenges and Rulings

Court challenges to Second Amendment sanctuary declarations have centered on claims of nullification, where local or state measures purport to invalidate federal or state firearm regulations, rather than mere non-cooperation policies. These cases invoke doctrines of federal supremacy under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause and state preemption laws, which prohibit subordinate jurisdictions from obstructing superior laws. Successful challenges have invalidated such provisions, affirming that local officials cannot declare higher laws unenforceable or void, though pure exercises of prosecutorial discretion may withstand scrutiny under anti-commandeering principles established in Printz v. United States (1997). In Board of County Commissioners of Columbia County v. Columbia County , the Court of Appeals on February 15, 2023, struck down Columbia County's Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, adopted by voters in 2020. The ordinance declared certain federal, state, and local "infringe[ments]" on the Second Amendment and prohibited county resources from enforcing them, effectively nullifying those laws within the . The court held the ordinance preempted and void under Revised Statutes § 166.170, which reserves authority exclusively to the , preventing counties from enacting conflicting measures. The ruling emphasized that local governments lack authority to assess the of state laws or withhold enforcement, distinguishing symbolic resolutions from operative nullification. A parallel federal challenge arose against Missouri's Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), enacted in June 2021, which declared specific federal firearm enactments "invalid" within the state and barred state and local cooperation in their enforcement. On July 3, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri invalidated key provisions, ruling they violated the Supremacy Clause by commanding nullification of federal law. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed this on August 26, 2024, in United States v. Missouri, holding that SAPA's attempt to deem federal regulations "invalid to this state" directly contravened Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, as states cannot unilaterally exempt themselves from federal authority. The court rejected Missouri's arguments that SAPA merely exercised discretion, noting its explicit invalidation language exceeded permissible non-cooperation. The U.S. Supreme Court denied Missouri's petition for certiorari on October 6, 2025, leaving the Eighth Circuit's decision intact. These rulings highlight vulnerabilities in sanctuary measures that cross into affirmative obstruction, but they do not broadly prohibit declarations of non-enforcement intent or local prioritization of resources, provided they avoid direct conflict with superior . No major federal appellate decisions have upheld nullificatory ordinances, underscoring limits on subnational resistance to gun regulations.

Scope of Adoption

State-Level Sanctuaries

Several states have enacted statewide legislation designating themselves as Second Amendment sanctuaries by prohibiting state and local officials from enforcing or cooperating with federal firearm regulations deemed to infringe upon the right to keep and bear arms. These laws, often termed Second Amendment Protection Acts (SAPAs) or Firearms Freedom Acts, assert state sovereignty over intrastate firearm activities and limit the allocation of public resources toward federal mandates conflicting with interpretations of the Second Amendment. While varying in specificity, they typically target regulations such as those under the , background check expansions, or restrictions on certain accessories, directing non-compliance by law enforcement and agencies. Gun Owners of America classifies several as meeting a "silver" standard for partial protection against federal overreach. Arizona's Second Amendment Firearm Freedom Act, signed into on April 6, 2021, exemplifies this approach by explicitly barring the state and its political subdivisions from using personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any federal act, , regulation, order, or agency that hinders the right to bear arms as protected by the state constitution. The cites the U.S. Constitution's reservation of powers to the states and declares such federal actions null and void within Arizona's borders. Similar statutes exist in , , , , , and , each prohibiting enforcement of specified federal infringements using state mechanisms, though scopes differ— for instance, Texas's emphasizes protection against efforts post-natural disasters. Kansas pioneered a prominent example with its Second Amendment Protection Act of 2013, which exempts firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition manufactured and retained entirely within the state from federal regulation under the , rendering them outside congressional authority. Courts have partially invalidated aspects conflicting with federal supremacy, such as applications to interstate items, but upheld core intrastate exemptions. Wyoming's analogous protections, including amendments to its Second Amendment Protection Act in 2025, similarly restrict state participation in federal enforcement deemed violative of constitutional carry rights. Missouri's 2021 Second Amendment Preservation Act attempted broader nullification of federal gun laws but was struck down by the Eighth Circuit in August 2024 for violating the , with the U.S. Supreme Court declining review on October 6, 2025, highlighting ongoing federal-state tensions.
StateYear EnactedKey LegislationPrimary Focus
2021Second Amendment Firearm Freedom ActNon-enforcement of federal infringements via state resources
2013Second Amendment Protection ActExemption of intrastate firearms from federal commerce rules
2021Second Amendment Preservation ActBroad invalidation of federal regs (ruled unconstitutional)
2010 (am. 2025)Firearms Freedom Act / SAPALimits on state aid to unconstitutional federal enforcement

County and Local Government Declarations

As of early 2024, approximately 2,000 of the ' more than 3,100 counties had adopted resolutions or ordinances declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, with additional municipalities contributing to a total exceeding 2,000 local entities nationwide. These declarations, often initiated by county commissions or city councils, typically pledge that local resources and personnel—particularly sheriffs' offices—will not be used to enforce regulations deemed by the adopting body to violate the Second Amendment, such as restrictions on magazine capacity, assault weapons, or red-flag laws. County-level adoptions surged in states with recent gun control enactments, serving as a form of localized resistance. In Colorado, for instance, 42 of the state's 64 counties passed sanctuary resolutions by March 2019 in opposition to House Bill 19-1177, a proposed extreme risk protection order law allowing temporary firearm seizures. Similarly, in Illinois, numerous counties enacted Second Amendment Preservation Ordinances following the 2021 passage of stricter state firearms laws, prohibiting local cooperation with enforcement of measures like bans on certain semi-automatic rifles. In New Mexico's Lea County, commissioners adopted Resolution No. 19-FEB-061R in February 2019, explicitly declaring the county a sanctuary and affirming the Second Amendment as an individual right not subject to infringement by federal, state, or local acts. Municipal declarations mirror county efforts but often occur in smaller towns or cities within non-sanctuary states. , became a sanctuary in November 2019 via a county commission vote, vowing to protect residents from "gun-grabbing" policies and directing the sheriff not to expend resources on unconstitutional restrictions. In Georgia, Habersham County led with a January 2020 resolution, followed by others like , which passed its declaration in early 2020 to signal non-enforcement of perceived overreaches. More recently, , approved its sanctuary resolution on October 22, 2025, in response to escalating state-level controls, committing to prioritize constitutional rights over conflicting mandates. , reaffirmed its status on April 7, 2025, explicitly opposing Senate Bill 25 as an infringement. These resolutions vary in scope: some are symbolic affirmations of Second Amendment support without explicit non-enforcement language, while others, like Second Amendment Preservation Acts in counties (e.g., Newton County), direct sheriffs to arrest federal agents enforcing invalidated laws—though such provisions face legal scrutiny for conflicting with federal supremacy. Adoptions remain concentrated in rural and conservative-leaning areas, with states like , , and seeing widespread county participation despite urban counterparts abstaining.

Quantitative Overview and Geographic Distribution

As of early 2024, approximately 2,000 counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions, representing over 60% of the nation's roughly 3,143 counties. This tally builds on earlier counts, such as 1,965 localities (including counties, cities, and towns) reported in September 2021 across more than 40 states. Additional municipalities contribute to the total, though comprehensive updates beyond 2024 remain limited; adoption surged post-2018, with slower growth in recent years amid stabilized political landscapes. At the state level, at least nine states have enacted legislation functioning as statewide Second Amendment sanctuaries, prohibiting the use of public funds or personnel to enforce federal gun laws deemed unconstitutional. These include "" laws in (2018) and (2019), which impose penalties on officials for compliance with conflicting federal mandates, and "silver standard" measures in , , , , , , and . Other states like , , , , , and maintain limited protections focused on manufacturing or preemption, while issued a gubernatorial in 2021 affirming non-enforcement. Geographically, sanctuary declarations cluster in rural and conservative-dominated areas, spanning the Midwest, , and West, with significant penetration even in politically contested states. For instance, states like , , , Washington, , and host high numbers of local adoptions despite varying state-level restrictions, often exceeding 70-90% of counties in resistant blue states. In contrast, adoption lags in coastal and urban-heavy regions such as and New York, where fewer than 10% of counties participate; thirteen states, including , , Georgia, , , , and , feature sanctuary status in a minority of counties. Overall, the pattern reflects federalism-driven pushback in jurisdictions prioritizing local interpretation of constitutional rights over federal directives.

Practical Implementation and Enforcement

Role of Sheriffs and Local Officials

In Second Amendment sanctuary declarations, county sheriffs, as elected constitutional officers, often pledge to uphold their oath to the U.S. Constitution over state or federal firearm laws they deem violative of the Second Amendment, exercising to deprioritize or refuse of such measures. This stance aligns with the "constitutional sheriffs" philosophy, which posits that sheriffs hold ultimate local authority and bear a duty to interpose against unconstitutional acts, a view rooted in historical interpretations of the sheriff's role as a check on higher governments. Sheriffs in these jurisdictions typically direct deputies to focus resources on violent crimes rather than , arguing that would divert limited manpower without enhancing public safety. Specific examples illustrate this role. In New Mexico, 30 of the state's 33 county sheriffs endorsed sanctuary resolutions by early 2020, vowing non-enforcement of gun control laws conflicting with Second Amendment interpretations. Similarly, in Washington state, 24 of 39 sheriffs declared in 2019 they would not implement Initiative 1639, a voter-approved measure raising the minimum age for semiautomatic rifle purchases to 21 and imposing enhanced background checks. More recently, in Oregon, multiple sheriffs announced post-2022 that they would decline to enforce Measure 114, which mandated permits for firearm purchases and banned magazines exceeding 10 rounds, citing constitutional concerns and potential risks to deputies. In New Mexico's Bernalillo County, Sheriff John Allen stated in September 2023 that he would not enforce Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's public health order suspending the right to carry firearms in Albuquerque amid rising crime, prioritizing deputy safety and questioning the order's legal validity. Local officials beyond sheriffs, such as county commissioners, facilitate these efforts by passing resolutions that affirm sheriffs' discretion and signal community support for non-cooperation with perceived overreaches. For instance, 25 of New Mexico's 33 counties adopted such resolutions by March 2019, explicitly backing sheriffs' refusal to enforce firearms restrictions viewed as unconstitutional. These actions underscore sheriffs' accountability to local voters, contrasting with appointed state or federal agents, though critics from advocacy groups argue such refusals undermine uniform —claims that sanctuary proponents counter by emphasizing empirical inefficacy of targeted regulations in reducing crime. In practice, non-enforcement has rarely led to direct confrontations, as state attorneys general or federal agencies handle prosecutions, but it reinforces local resistance by deterring resource allocation to compliance checks.

Mechanisms of Non-Enforcement

Local governments in Second Amendment sanctuary jurisdictions primarily implement non-enforcement through the adoption of formal resolutions by county boards, city councils, or other legislative bodies, which explicitly direct or encourage local to disregard, deprioritize, or refuse implementation of state or federal firearms regulations deemed unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. These resolutions often invoke the anti-commandeering doctrine derived from the Tenth Amendment, asserting that superior jurisdictions cannot compel local officials to execute their laws, thereby justifying policies of non-cooperation or resource withholding. For instance, in response to New Mexico's Senate Bill 48 enacted in March 2019—which expanded background checks, red-flag provisions, and assault weapon restrictions—over 30 counties passed sanctuary resolutions by mid-2019, with local officials pledging not to allocate personnel or funds toward enforcement. Sheriffs, as constitutionally elected officials in many states, play a central role by issuing public directives or personal oaths prioritizing fidelity to the U.S. Constitution over conflicting state statutes, resulting in operational non-enforcement such as declining to investigate or prosecute violations of specified gun laws. In Washington State, at least 20 county sheriffs announced by early 2019 their refusal to enforce Initiative 1639's enhanced background checks and age restrictions on semiautomatic rifles, citing oath-bound duties to disregard "unconstitutional" mandates. Similarly, in Illinois following the 2023 Protect Illinois Communities Act—which imposed assault weapon bans and serialization requirements—sheriffs in counties like Effingham and Grundy declared non-enforcement stances, instructing deputies to treat such laws as unenforceable absent court validation. Practical strategies extend to budgetary and administrative measures, including prohibitions on using local taxpayer funds for training, equipment, or personnel dedicated to contested regulations, as well as policies limiting inter-agency cooperation with state or federal enforcers. These mechanisms rely on prosecutorial and enforcement discretion, where local district attorneys may decline charges related to sanctuary-opposed laws, though federal authorities retain independent enforcement capacity via agencies like the ATF. While some resolutions remain largely symbolic—altering rhetoric without measurable shifts in arrest or citation data—others correlate with observable resistance, such as sheriffs in Oregon's sanctuary counties ignoring 2019 ballot measures on magazine capacity limits post-Ballot Measure 114's partial implementation in 2022.

Instances of Resistance to State or Federal Directives

In , following the Democratic Party's gain of control over the in , over 90 localities, representing more than 95% of the state's land area, adopted Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions opposing proposed state measures such as universal background checks and red flag laws. Sheriffs in counties like Franklin and Culpeper publicly stated they would direct deputies not to enforce any newly passed laws deemed unconstitutional under their interpretation of the Second Amendment, with Franklin County Sheriff-Elect W.H. "Chappy" Edwards explicitly announcing in December that he would instruct deputies to disregard such directives based on his professional judgment. These actions prompted Attorney General to issue an advisory opinion asserting that local resolutions held no legal effect and officials must comply with state law, though no widespread prosecutions of non-enforcing sheriffs occurred. In , after J.B. Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act on January 10, 2023, banning assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches, at least 74 county sheriffs—spanning over half of the state's 102 counties—issued public statements vowing not to enforce the law, citing its conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court's New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) decision affirming Second Amendment rights to carry handguns for . For instance, sheriffs in rural counties like Effingham and Madison declared the measures unconstitutional and stated their departments would prioritize other duties over compliance, leading to no reported local confiscations or prosecutions under the ban as of late 2023 despite ongoing federal court challenges. Washington State saw similar resistance to Initiative 1639, a voter-approved measure effective January 1, 2019, that raised the minimum age for purchases to 21 and mandated enhanced background checks. Sheriffs in at least 21 of the state's 39 counties, including conservative-leaning areas like Grant, Spokane, and Lewis, announced they would not enforce provisions they viewed as infringing on Second Amendment rights, with Grant County Sheriff Chad Hawkins stating in January 2019 that his office saw "nothing to enforce" in the law. Bob Ferguson responded with an warning of potential civil liability for non-enforcement but upheld the law's constitutionality in subsequent court rulings, though local non-cooperation persisted without direct penalties. New Mexico experienced coordinated pushback after the state enacted expanded background checks and a in 2019, with 30 of 33 county sheriffs signing a letter organized by the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association pledging not to assist in enforcement of measures they deemed violations of and Second Amendment protections. Rural counties like Catron and Otero passed sanctuary resolutions directing sheriffs to withhold resources from such laws, mirroring tactics used against federal directives, though state officials reported minimal impact on overall compliance rates due to reliance on for enforcement. Federal-level resistance has been less direct, as local agencies rarely enforce federal firearms laws, but some sanctuaries have extended non-cooperation to ATF regulations. For example, in 2022, counties in states like and adopted resolutions opposing the ATF's "ghost gun" rule (finalized August 2022), instructing officials not to allocate funds or personnel for compliance assistance, though no instances of active obstruction of federal agents were documented. These cases illustrate a pattern where elected sheriffs leverage positional discretion to deprioritize enforcement, often without legal repercussions, as state attorneys general prioritize litigation over individual prosecutions.

Impacts and Effectiveness

Symbolic and Political Effects

Second Amendment sanctuary declarations primarily function as symbolic affirmations of local commitment to gun rights, signaling resistance to perceived federal or state overreach without possessing enforceable legal authority to nullify superior laws. These resolutions, often adopted by county boards or sheriffs, express opposition to specific gun control measures but carry no binding effect under the Supremacy Clause or state preemption doctrines, rendering them gestures of political posturing rather than operative policy. For instance, in Virginia following the 2019 Democratic legislative majorities and proposals for assault weapon bans and universal background checks, over 90% of the state's counties passed such resolutions, yet state Attorney General Mark Herring affirmed in December 2019 that they held no legal weight and local officials remained obligated to enforce state law. Politically, these sanctuaries mobilize conservative constituencies in response to advancing restrictions, particularly in politically competitive states where rural areas counter urban-driven reforms. Adoptions surged in areas with growing Democratic influence, such as post-2019 after the shooting and electoral shifts, serving to rally rights advocates and highlight tensions akin to sanctuary debates. Empirical analysis indicates measurable impacts on electoral behavior; a study using voter records from 2016-2022 and national Cooperative Election Study data found that sanctuary enactments boosted Republican turnout while suppressing it among Democrats and voters, attributing this to psychological policy feedback effects despite the laws' status. Such dynamics underscore their role in amplifying opposition, potentially influencing state-level policy debates by demonstrating widespread local resistance, though they have not prevented legislative passage of controls in states like .

Empirical Assessment of Crime and Safety Outcomes

Limited peer-reviewed directly assesses the causal impact of Second Amendment sanctuary declarations on local and safety outcomes, given the policies' recent emergence (primarily post-2018) and predominantly symbolic character, which pledges non-cooperation with perceived infringing gun laws without altering underlying state statutes or licensing regimes. These declarations have proliferated in over 2,000 counties, overwhelmingly rural and conservative-leaning jurisdictions where baseline rates are structurally lower than in urban counterparts due to factors like , socioeconomic conditions, and policing dynamics. FBI Uniform Reporting (UCR) data consistently show rural rates at approximately 170-200 incidents per 100,000 population, compared to 400-500 in urban areas; for instance, in , rural rates stood at 172.3 per 100,000 versus 433.5 in cities. This geographic disparity predates and persists independently of sanctuary status, suggesting no inherent elevation in risk from the declarations themselves. Post-declaration crime trends in sanctuary-heavy regions align with national patterns rather than exhibiting deviations attributable to non-enforcement pledges. In , where over 90% of counties adopted resolutions in late 2019 amid state pushes, offenses fell from 16,018 in 2019 to 15,713 in 2020, followed by further declines amid broader U.S. reductions post-2021 peak. Similar stability appears in other focal states like and , with no documented surges in gun s or aggravated assaults linked to policies in reports or federal data. groups such as Brady United contend that resistance undermines enforcement of federal prohibitions (e.g., on possession), potentially heightening risks, yet provide no quantitative evidence of resultant crime upticks; 's 2021 law, for example, has not correlated with anomalous elevations per CDC data. Indirect evidence from related gun policy analyses offers mixed insights but limited applicability to sanctuaries. Meta-analyses of shall-issue expansions—more permissive than mere non-enforcement pledges—indicate null or modestly positive associations with in some models, though contested reviews find small increases (e.g., 2-7% in aggravated assault); panels emphasize inconclusive causality due to endogeneity in rural, pro-gun locales. Sanctuary areas' lower extreme risk protection order (ERPO) petition rates reflect policy resistance rather than reduced threat levels, as population firearm risks remain tied to broader state laws and demographics, not local declarations. Overall, available data reveal no verifiable causal detriment to public safety from status, with rural contexts likely conferring baseline protective effects against urban-style escalation.

Influence on Policy and Legislation

The Second Amendment sanctuary movement has prompted several state legislatures to pass statutes limiting cooperation with federal firearm regulations deemed infringing on constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. These laws often build on local declarations by providing statewide mechanisms to withhold resources from enforcement efforts, thereby attempting to protect intrastate firearm , possession, and transfer from federal oversight. For example, enacted House Bill 2622 in June 2021, codified as the Second Amendment Sanctuary State Act, which explicitly bars state agencies, political subdivisions, and personnel from using public funds or time to enforce any federal firearm laws, rules, or regulations that allegedly burden the Second Amendment rights of Texans, particularly for items produced and retained within the state. Missouri's Second Amendment Preservation Act, signed into law on June 23, 2021, similarly declared invalid within the state any federal enactments regulating firearms, ammunition, or accessories manufactured and possessed in Missouri, and prohibited state or local officials from expending resources on their enforcement. Although federal courts invalidated key provisions in 2023 and 2024 under the Supremacy Clause, ruling that states cannot unilaterally nullify federal law, the act's passage reflected grassroots pressure from sanctuary counties, with over 100 Missouri counties having declared sanctuary status by 2021, influencing Republican lawmakers to prioritize the measure amid national debates over ATF rules. In March 2025, the Missouri House voted 81-64 to reenact a revised version, signaling ongoing legislative momentum despite judicial setbacks. Other states have followed suit with comparable preservation acts, often rated by gun rights organizations as providing "silver" or higher levels of statutory protection against federal overreach. Arizona's 2010 Firearms Freedom Act and subsequent expansions, along with similar measures in (2013), (2009), (2010), (2021), and (2013), prohibit state enforcement of federal regulations on firearms made and kept within state borders, directly echoing sanctuary rhetoric and predating or paralleling the broader local movement. These statutes, enacted during periods of heightened federal activity—such as the Obama-era push for expanded background checks and ATF classifications—demonstrate causal influence from localized resistance, as county-level declarations in these states amplified calls for state-level codification to preempt federal directives. At the federal level, the movement has exerted indirect pressure by highlighting state and local non-compliance risks, complicating of regulations like the 2022 ATF pistol brace rule or 2024 frame-and-receiver redefinition, as local sheriffs in jurisdictions publicly refuse participation. However, no major federal bills have passed since the sanctuary wave accelerated post-2018, attributable in part to reinforced by sanctuary advocacy, which mobilizes opposition in rural districts key to legislative balances. Critics from groups argue these state laws undermine uniformity, but empirical data on gaps remains limited, with federal agencies relying more on direct operations rather than local partnerships in resistant areas.

Controversies and Viewpoints

Defenses: Protection of Rights and Federalism

Proponents of Second Amendment sanctuaries argue that these declarations uphold federalism by invoking the anti-commandeering doctrine, which prohibits the federal government from compelling state or local officials to enforce federal regulations. In Printz v. United States (1997), the Supreme Court invalidated provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act that required local law enforcement to conduct background checks for firearm purchases, ruling that such mandates violate the Tenth Amendment by commandeering state sovereignty. This precedent directly supports sanctuary policies, as localities may lawfully decline to allocate resources or personnel to implement federal gun control measures perceived as infringing on constitutional rights, thereby preserving the autonomy of subnational governments in a federal system. This federalist framework extends to protection of individual rights under the Second Amendment, which the Court has affirmed as an enumerated right to keep and bear arms for self-defense in decisions like District of Columbia v. Heller (2008). Sanctuary resolutions often explicitly pledge non-enforcement of laws deemed unconstitutional, positioning local governments as bulwarks against federal overreach that could erode this right without local consent or due process. Legal scholars, including those analyzing subfederal resistance, contend that such policies align with principles of dual sovereignty, allowing jurisdictions to prioritize fidelity to the Constitution over potentially conflicting federal directives. Critics of expansive federal authority, such as those at the , emphasize that Second Amendment sanctuaries exemplify how enables resistance to executive or legislative actions that bypass traditional checks, fostering a decentralized model that deters uniform imposition of controversial regulations. By refusing , these sanctuaries theoretically safeguard citizens' rights from erosion through indirect means, such as resource diversion for compliance, while maintaining that ultimate remains a federal prerogative—though practically limited without local assistance. This approach draws on historical analogies to state nullification debates but is grounded in modern affirming non-cooperation over active obstruction.

Criticisms: Legality, Rule of Law, and Public Safety Claims

Critics contend that Second Amendment sanctuary declarations exceed the legal authority of local governments by attempting to nullify or invalidate superior state and federal firearms regulations, contravening the of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes federal law as paramount over conflicting local actions. In United States v. Missouri (2024), the Eighth of Appeals struck down 's Second Amendment Preservation Act, which purported to declare certain federal gun laws "invalid" within the state, ruling that such attempts to invalidate federal enactments violate constitutional supremacy principles regardless of local policy preferences. Similarly, an circuit court in February 2023 invalidated local ordinances in multiple counties that barred sheriffs from enforcing state measures, affirming that state law supersedes municipal declarations under 's constitutional framework. Legal scholars argue that while prosecutorial discretion permits non-enforcement priorities, formal resolutions declaring laws unenforceable or null represent unlawful defiance rather than permissible discretion, lacking any basis in statutory or constitutional authority to override higher jurisdictions. Regarding the , opponents assert that sanctuary policies foster and erode uniform application of statutes, incentivizing jurisdictional fragmentation where local officials prioritize over obligation, akin to historical nullification efforts deemed unconstitutional. Such declarations, critics note, mislead residents into believing laws are void, potentially encouraging non-compliance and complicating inter-jurisdictional cooperation, as seen in states like under Dillon's Rule, which limits local authority absent explicit state delegation. By denying resources for enforcement of duly enacted measures, these policies exercise discretion in a manner that undermines hierarchical legal structures, paralleling but inverting sanctuary debates where federal primacy was upheld. This approach, according to analyses, risks broader institutional distrust, as it signals that fidelity to law depends on alignment with Second Amendment interpretations rather than impartial administration. On public safety grounds, detractors claim that non-cooperation with federal background checks, red flag laws, and other regulations enables prohibited individuals—such as felons or those under orders—to acquire firearms unchecked locally, heightening risks of despite no of sanctuary-driven crime spikes in proponent jurisdictions. Advocacy groups like Giffords Law Center argue that by obstructing enforcement of laws like the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), sanctuaries impede timely interventions, as local agencies often serve as first responders in federal probes. A 2024 study of Colorado's extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) found that while sanctuary counties filed fewer petitions per capita from 2020 to 2022, state-level enforcement persisted, suggesting fragmented policies may delay protective measures without eliminating them. Critics, including prevention organizations, maintain these declarations create zones of lax oversight, potentially exacerbating trafficking and misuse, though sanctuary advocates counter with data showing no causal link to elevated rates.

Debunking Common Misconceptions from Mainstream Narratives

One prevalent misconception portrays Second Amendment sanctuaries as unconstitutional nullification of federal or state laws, akin to historical doctrines rejected by courts. In reality, these declarations do not purport to repeal or render superior laws void, but rather articulate a policy of non-enforcement for statutes local officials deem violative of the Second Amendment, grounded in prosecutorial and enforcement discretion inherent to elected sheriffs and constitutional oaths. This mirrors practices in sanctuaries, where localities limit cooperation without nullifying federal authority, a model upheld against challenges under the Tenth Amendment. challenges remain sparse and mixed; while an appeals invalidated one ordinance in 2023 for overstepping into state preemption on specific regulations, it did not deem the broader sanctuary concept unlawful, and no widespread federal invalidations have occurred. Another narrative asserts that sanctuaries foster lawlessness by blanket refusal to enforce any gun regulations, thereby endangering public safety. Contrary to this, declarations typically commit to upholding constitutional firearms laws and prosecuting criminal misuse, such as felons in possession or use in violence, while resisting measures like magazine limits or assault weapon bans perceived as infringements. Concrete instances demonstrate selective non-enforcement: in Washington state, over 20 sheriffs as of February 2019 publicly declined to prioritize new restrictions on high-capacity magazines and background checks, yet continued routine compliance with existing statutes. Similarly, multiple Oregon sheriffs in 2022 announced non-implementation of voter-approved Measure 114's permit and magazine requirements, citing Second Amendment conflicts, without halting enforcement of core criminal gun offenses. No systematic data links these policies to elevated violent crime; sanctuary counties, often rural, maintain low baseline rates, and analogous non-enforcement in immigration contexts correlates with reduced or stable crime levels, suggesting resource prioritization on serious threats enhances rather than undermines safety. Critics further claim sanctuaries are mere symbolism without practical impact, incapable of thwarting enforcement. Evidence indicates otherwise through demonstrated deterrence: local resistance strains state resources, as seen in where sheriffs' opposition to extreme risk orders from 2019 onward limited their application in sanctuary jurisdictions, with petition rates notably lower by 2022 without corresponding violence spikes. States like have codified protections for officials declining to enforce perceived unconstitutional gun laws, amplifying real-world effects beyond rhetoric. This efficacy stems from federalism's allocation of enforcement burdens, where federal agents alone cannot replicate local sheriffs' 24/7 presence, rendering comprehensive override logistically unfeasible absent massive funding shifts.

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  26. https://sites.bu.edu/dome/2019/12/18/sanctuaries-with-guns-turning-the-rule-of-law-upside-down-by-delegate-david-toscano-d-charlottesville/
  27. https://saf.org/nearly-half-of-all-u-s-counties-are-now-second-amendment-sanctuaries/
  28. https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/governor-makes-oklahoma-second-amendment-sanctuary-state-signing-senate-bill-631-law
  29. https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1335&GA=112
  30. https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-10-06/us-supreme-court-missouri-second-amendment-preservation-act-gun-laws
  31. https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/federal-appeals-court-declares-missouris-second-amendment-preservation-act-unconstitutional/
  32. https://www.bradyunited.org/resources/issues/second-amendment-sanctuaries
  33. https://www.grievelaw.com/WisconsinGun/Laws/2ndAmendmentSanctuary
  34. https://www.parkcountyco.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6678?fileID=2058
  35. https://www.jasperia.org/files/resolutions/second_amendment_sanctuary_county_15221.pdf
  36. https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/561/742/
  37. https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/521/898/
  38. https://www.gunowners.org/ellis-county-becomes-second-amendment-sanctuary/
  39. https://www.gunowners.org/second-amendment-sanctuary-ordinance-battle-tested-in-oregon-today/
  40. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48525
  41. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/LSB/PDF/LSB11321/LSB11321.2.pdf
  42. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/or-court-of-appeals/2188720.html
  43. https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/08/231457P.pdf
  44. https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/1r/laws/0182.htm
  45. https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch50/050_012_0004.html
  46. https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0196
  47. https://www.factcheck.org/2022/12/exploring-sen-murphys-claim-about-second-amendment-sanctuaries/
  48. https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/these-colorado-counties-have-declared-themselves-2nd-amendment-sanctuaries-as-red-flag-bill-progresses/73-a23bcba7-63c7-4a50-a26a-9e1e8a2b91ef
  49. https://www.cpr.org/2019/03/07/counties-declare-second-amendment-sanctuary-status-as-legislature-debates-red-flag-bill/
  50. https://leacounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/2216/Resolution-No-19-FEB-061R-a-Resolution-Declaring-Lea-County-as-a-Second-Amendment-Sanctuary-County
  51. https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/13/us/second-amendment-sanctuaries-gun-control
  52. https://gon.com/news/georgia-counties-declare-second-amendment-sanctuary
  53. https://www.gunowners.org/bradford-county-is-a-second-amendment-sanctuary-commissioners-say/
  54. https://abc30.com/post/resolution-declare-madera-county-second-amendment-sanctuary-passes/18056579/
  55. https://www.montrosecounty.net/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1040
  56. https://www.newtoncountymo.com/secondamendment.html
  57. https://www.lashlybaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SecondAmendmentPreservationAct-02142893x7A478.pdf
  58. https://www.npr.org/2019/02/21/696547231/some-sheriffs-in-rural-washington-refuse-to-enforce-new-gun-law
  59. https://www.opb.org/article/2022/11/21/oregon-sheriff-gun-restrictions-measure-114-gun-reform-law-control-high-capacity-magazine/
  60. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/new-mexico-sheriff-refuses-enforce-governors-gun-ban-2023-09-11/
  61. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/defiant-us-sheriffs-push-gun-sanctuaries-imitating-liberals-on-immigration-idUSKCN1QL0ZB/
  62. https://giffords.org/lawcenter/report/how-second-amendment-sanctuaries-are-threatening-lifesaving-gun-laws/
  63. https://psmag.com/social-justice/what-happens-if-sheriffs-refuse-to-enforce-state-gun-control-laws/
  64. https://www.ncgv.org/second-amendment-sanctuary-resolutions/
  65. https://virginiamercury.com/2019/11/20/were-going-to-have-to-defend-ourselves-after-democratic-victories-rural-virginia-counties-rush-to-declare-themselves-gun-sanctuaries/
  66. https://www.thetidewaternews.com/2019/12/20/sheriff-elect-wont-enforce-gun-laws-deemed-unconstitutional/
  67. http://goanys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/GOA-VCDL-Response-to-Herring-AO-December-26-2019.pdf
  68. https://abcnews.go.com/US/74-illinois-sheriffs-departments-vow-defy-new-state/story?id=96384352
  69. https://www.krem.com/article/news/politics/two-more-washington-sheriffs-say-they-wont-enforce-i-1639/293-beb89b25-cce3-4150-821e-2e6a6c1b7c2b
  70. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/feb/22/washington-state-county-sheriffs-refuse-to-enforce-gun-laws
  71. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-issues-open-letter-law-enforcement-i-1639
  72. https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2019/02/15/nm-sheriffs-fight-gun-bills-sanctuary-county-resolutions/2886741002/
  73. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5247326
  74. https://vsp.virginia.gov/nr-june-7-2021-virginias-annual-crime-analysis-report-now-available-on-virginia-state-police-website/
  75. https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-2023-crime-in-the-nation-statistics
  76. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10985551/
  77. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/html/HB02622F.HTM
  78. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/HB02622I.PDF
  79. https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-03-27/missouri-house-votes-re-enact-second-amendment-preservation-act
  80. https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1438&context=nulr
  81. https://www.cato.org/commentary/american-federalism-can-push-back-against-executive-overreach
  82. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/16/oregon-second-amendment-sanctuary-decision
  83. https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/popular-among-antigovernment-extremists-second-amendment-sanctuary-resolutions-pose-risks/
  84. https://giffords.org/memo/gun-sanctuaries-memo/
  85. https://insidesources.com/counterpoint-second-amendment-sanctuaries-are-a-legal-fiction-that-jeopardize-public-safety/
  86. https://www.everytown.org/press/oregon-appeals-court-strikes-down-dangerous-second-amendment-sanctuary-ordinance-that-undermines-public-safety-laws-first-of-its-kind-decision-sets-an-important-precedent-for-simila/
  87. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-effects-of-sanctuary-policies-on-crime-and-the-economy/
  88. https://www.kunc.org/news/2023-03-27/red-flag-reckoning-reflects-the-sweeping-power-of-colorado-sheriffs
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