HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners Chairman Bruce Erb plans to introduce a resolution at Tuesday’s weekly meeting that, if adopted, will affirm the county’s support for Second Amendment rights.

The proposed resolution, he said, will be offered in response to local residents with concerns about possible legislation being introduced in Pennsylvania to limit Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

While some residents have suggested the county adopt an ordinance declaring Blair to be a Second Amendment Sanctuary County, Erb said commissioners don’t have the legal authority to pursue that action.

“It is also my understanding,” Erb said, “that state law may preclude local governments, such as counties, from adopting laws concerning firearms.”

“Even if we were to adopt such an ordinance,” Erb added, “the Board of Commissioners has no ability to enforce it.”

The Gun Owners of America organization, a gun rights group which supports Second Amendment sanctuary ordinances, reported on its website that as of Monday, more than 826 counties, cities and towns have passed ordinances or resolutions in support of gun rights.

The organization sees the ordinance as a way to protect gun rights from restrictions that federal and state lawmakers may impose. In addition, the organization’s website posting recommends adoption of ordinances with sanctions in the form of fines or punishments for those who fail to comply.

“This minor addition makes your Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance much more meaningful and turns it into something impactful, rather than just a simple resolution,” the organization states on its website.

Erb said the resolution he intends to present will affirm Blair County’s support of Second Amendment rights. He also reported that it will “urge our local legislators and Gov. (Tom) Wolf to protect and defend those rights as guaranteed in both the United States Constitution and the Constitution of this Commonwealth.”

Bedford County commissioners are expected to adopt a similar resolution, according to a statement released last week by Commissioner Barry Dallara. In explaining his board’s position, Dallara said that commissioners share concerns about Second Amendment rights being threatened.

Dallara also said there is no pending legislation in Pennsylvania that would threaten or infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Dallara reported that the county has no money in its budget, nor does it expect to have money in future budgets, “to enforce any laws specifically related to any existing or future gun control firearms legislation.”

On Feb. 12, Cambria County commissioners adopted a resolution in support of Second Amendment rights.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.