Senate OKs Measure Sought by County Clerks

The State Senate today approved legislation, sponsored by Senators Patty Ritchie and Kathy Marchione—both ex-County Clerks—to prohibit state agencies from using official county seals on any document without express permission.

The bill, S.3897-A, was sought by the state’s County Clerks, and at least 42 counties which passed resolutions warning of the practice, specifically over concerns about the controversial SAFE Act gun control law.

“Use of a county seal signifies official endorsement by the local government—in other words, a seal of approval—and county leaders have been clear that they do not support the SAFE Act and its provisions that restrict the rights of lawful gun owners,” said Senator Ritchie, who voted against the gun control law.

“This bill makes clear that state agencies could never use a county seal on any document, form or application without permission.”

The measure was sent to the Assembly.