The Hill County Commissioners passed an ordinance last week to increase safety at the Hill County Courthouse. Effective last Thursday, only law enforcement officers can carry a weapon into the building.
A 20-year-old law had limited the carrying of weapons to people who have a permit for a concealed weapon.
"I don't want any more weapons than what we know of out in the open," said District Court Judge Dave Rice, who asked the commissioners to pass the measure.
Though the law comes two months after a fatal court shooting in a Georgia courthouse, Rice said there was no connection. He suggested the ordinance several months ago, he said.
