The Washington County Board of Supervisors is looking to allow the legal carry of firearms in the county courthouse on floors where court is not held.

At their meeting Tuesday, Washington County Attorney John Gish explained that in June the Iowa Supreme Court citing the Iowa Constitution issued a supervisory order for a ban of weapons in all state courthouses. On December 19th, it was amended that county boards of supervisors can request in writing for an exemption from the ban in public spaces not dominated by court use. Gish explained then the ban would be on the top floor of the courthouse at all times, including during legislative briefings which are held the third Saturday of January, February and March.

The motion to direct Gish to draft a letter for the supervisors to sign and then send to the chief judge for the exemption on the basement and first floor levels of the Washington County Courthouse passed 4-1. The one dissenting vote was Bob Yoder, who wanted to get input from constituents on the matter.