(KNZA)--Guns are now banned in the Hiawatha City Commission chambers and Municipal Courtroom at City Hall.

On the recommendation of Police Chief John Defore and Municipal Judge Mike Riley, the City Commission took action earlier this month to exempt the city from a state law allowing the open and concealed-carry of firearms into a public building.  

The law allows local municipalities to seek an exemption for all or part of a public building provided adequate security measures are in place.

From now on, a police officer will use a metal detector wand to check those attending Commission meetings and Muncipal Court for firearms.   Muncipal Court is held in the Commission chambers on the second floor of City Hall. 

The practice was used for the first time during this week's City Commission meeting.

A sign is posted on the chamber doors that guns are prohibited.

Defore says the Kansas Attorney General’s office has indicated they have no issue with the city’s security plan.