The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 says you cannot carry a firearm onto the property, or within a thousand feet of, a public, private, or parochial school. That statute allows states and certain municipalities to allow individuals, by their own state statute, to go onto a Gun-Free Zone with a firearm.
Colorado allows those with a CCW to go into a Gun-Free Zone, as long as the firearm remains in your vehicle. If you leave your vehicle, for instance to go inside for school business or to pick up your child, you can have your firearm in your vehicle in a Gun-Free Zone, but the car needs to be locked and the firearm needs to be locked inside of a secured container in the car, such as the glove box.
As long as you follow those rules, you are fine carrying a firearm into a Gun-Free Zone. In the interim, if you have any questions about this or anything else, feel free to call my office any time to talk about it.
Suppose you get picked up for speeding within the 1000 feet of the school? If you declare your firearm to the officer, it seems that you could be charged with a felony. I believe there is a Montana case where this happened.
In Colorado for CCW holders are not required to notify a LEO you have a concealed firearm/permit or even when asked – it is voluntary to inform the LEO?
Here is a list of states that enforces it and states that requires you to inform if “asked” by the officer…
Must-Notify States:
Alaska
Arkansas
California — Although there is no state law, some counties are including a must-notify restriction on permits.
Washington, D.C.
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maine — If carrying without a permit. However, not if you are carrying with a permit.
Michigan
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota — If a North Dakota resident constitutionally carrying without a permit. However, not if you are carrying with a permit.
Ohio
South Carolina
Texas
Notify-When-Asked States:
Arizona
Florida
Illinois
Kentucky
Missouri
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming