DENVER – During the 2018 legislative session, hundreds of people flocked to the capitol to share their testimony for gun bills in a Colorado House of Representatives committee.
The committee meeting even moved to a larger room in the basement of the capitol, as a sea of people wearing red filled the seats.
Those wearing red were in opposition of a few bills being heard by the committee, but one in particular proved especially controversial: Concealed Handguns on School Grounds.
Rep. Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock), who was a student during the shooting at Columbine High School sponsored the bill, which died in the Democrat-controlled committee.
One after one, opponents and supporters sat down at the table and gave their testimony on why they felt the bill should or should not be law.
While the bill failed, it wasn’t the first time it’s seen the light of day at the state capitol- and this year’s session is no exception. In the 2018 session, bills of this nature which were opposed mostly along party lines were assigned to the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee where they were either ‘postponed indefinitely’ or voted down.
Among one of the most anticipated bills this session, one that hasn’t been introduced just yet is the ‘Red Flag Law’.
The Bill, would allow a judge to place an Extreme Risk Protection Order or ‘ERPO’ on someone who’s at risk of harming themselves or others.
For Julie Carr, with the Colorado Springs chapter of ‘Mom’s Demand Action,’ says she and other members of the organization are ready to see that legislation.
‘The existing public safety laws we have are there for a reason, and we need to move forward, not backwards,’ said Carr.
Carr says she believes the ERPO would help move the state forward with public safety laws.
‘Often loved ones and law enforcement officers are the first to notice signs when someone is a threat,’ said Carr.
Still, the bill will face opposition from Republican lawmakers, but wouldn’t ultimately effect the outcome with Democrats holding majorities in both chambers.
However, lawmakers such as Senator Pete Lee (Colorado Springs- D) believe it’s important for that legislation to come from both parties.
‘It was introduced as a bipartisan bill last time around and I expect it will be part of a collaborative process again,’ said Lee.
Gun bills re-introduced so far this session include:
HB19-1021 – Repeal Ammunition Magazine Prohibition
Summary: Seeking to repeal the 2013 law prohibiting the possession of large capacity magazine, and the requirement that any magazine manufactured in Colorado from July 1, 2013 forward must be marked with a manufacture date.
History: Similar bills failed to make it out of committee in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
HB19-1022 – Deadly Force Against Intruder At A Business
Summary: The bill extends the right to use deadly physical force against an intruder under certain conditions to include owners, managers, and employees of a business.
History: Similar bills failed to make it out of committee in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
HB19-1049 – Concealed Handguns On School Grounds
Summary: With certain exceptions, current law limits the authority of a person who holds a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun by prohibiting a permit holder from carrying a concealed handgun on public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school grounds. The bill removes this limitation.
History: Similar bills failed to make it out of committee in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Gun-related items introduced in prior sessions that have NOT been mentioned so far this year:
SB18-097 – Concealed Handgun Carry With No Permit
Summary: The bill allows a person who legally possesses a handgun under state and federal law to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado. A person who carries a concealed handgun under the authority created in the bill has the same carrying rights and is subject to the same limitations that apply to a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun under current law, including the prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun on the grounds of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school.
History: Similar bills failed to make it out of committee in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
