(AP) — A proposal to form a new state in northern Colorado is getting public support.

More than four dozen people showed up Thursday at the first public meeting to discuss a proposal to form a 51st state. Most of them said they support secession.

The residents from Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and Kit Carson counties are included in the discussion.

The U.S. Constitution requires that legislatures must first approve any state that is to be created within its jurisdiction.

Commissioners say legislative efforts to crack down on energy drilling and gun laws are prime reasons for the movement.