The Mesa County Board of Commissioners has authorized a federal lawsuit against Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, challenging what county officials describe as vague and unconstitutional restrictions on local law enforcement.

Mesa County Attorney Todd Starr outlined the case during a public meeting, saying the provisions in Article 74 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, part of Senate Bill 276, place deputies at risk of “arbitrary enforcement” and civil penalties for performing their duties. The suit will name Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell, Undersheriff Matt King and Capt. Curtis Bramer as plaintiffs.

Commissioner Bobbie Daniel said the move is about showing “we absolutely back the badge 100 percent and our sheriff’s department,” and the lawsuit will protect deputies from “politically motivated litigation.”

Commissioner Cody Davis emphasized the board’s goal is “not to fan the flames, but to get clarity, to get constitutional clarity, because the law, as written, is vague, it’s conflicting, and if left unchallenged, it puts every officer in Colorado at risk.”

Commissioner JJ Fletcher said the case is about “defending constitutional clarity, stopping selective prosecution and protecting every Colorado peace officer from vague and dangerous laws.

Fletcher added, “Law enforcement deserves fairness and clarity, not selective prosecution.”

The commissioners also approved the use of public funds to support the case, which they say will help ensure law enforcement agencies can work with federal and state partners without fear of penalties.