An ordinance banning guns on South Bend city property could be passed by the Common Council.

The ordinance would extend a firearms ban to all city property, regardless of state-issued gun permits.

The ordinance received a favorable recommendation in a committee meeting early Monday.

Under the proposed ordinance signs would be posted at buildings as well as at parks.

City leaders say the ban is needed for the protection of all city employees.

“This is really a safety issue for our employees who work in a variety of facilities where people might come in under duress or be angry about something. If they're carrying a firearm we feel that’s not safe for our employees,” said South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke.

As it's written now, violators would be fined 50 dollars for a first offense, and 250 for a second. However, Committee members talked about making those fines even steeper before giving it the okay.