Colorado’s Senate passes a bill mandating background checks and safety training for semiautomatic gun purchases, sparking debate on public safety and Second Amendment rights.
At a Glance
- Colorado Senate approves bill requiring background checks and safety courses for semiautomatic gun purchases
- Proposal is part of Democrats’ efforts to address gun violence following past mass shootings in the state
- Bill includes exemptions for certain firearms and allows current owners to keep their guns
- Republicans argue the proposal violates Second Amendment rights
- If enacted, Colorado would join about a dozen states with similar requirements
Colorado Senate Passes New Gun Control Measure
The Colorado Senate has passed a new bill that would require criminal background checks and safety courses for individuals seeking to purchase semiautomatic guns with detachable magazines. This legislative move marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to firearm regulation, aligning Colorado with approximately a dozen other states that have implemented similar measures.
The proposal, which is part of Colorado Democrats’ broader efforts to address gun violence, comes in the wake of several tragic mass shootings that have occurred in the state. Democratic state Sen. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the Aurora theater shooting, is one of the bill’s sponsors.
Democrats' Push for Gun Safety: A Look at Federal and State Legislation
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the Democrats' gun safety measures—what's been happening and what's on the horizon.
First up, the **Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022**. This one is a bit… pic.twitter.com/fp8kopZUY9
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The original bill proposed banning the sale and manufacture of guns with detachable magazines. However, it was modified to allow purchases with the addition of background checks and safety courses. The legislation includes exemptions for certain firearms, such as common hunting rifles and guns firing .22 or lower caliber ammunition. Current owners would also be allowed to keep their guns under the proposed law.
“This is the high-capacity magazine that my son’s killer brought into the movie theater. When this magazine jammed after 72 shots, the dying stopped,” Democratic state Sen. Tom Sullivan said.
Despite these modifications, the bill has faced opposition from Republicans who argue that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. Some have even equated the proposal to an outright ban on weapons.
Current Colorado Gun Laws
It’s important to note that Colorado’s current gun laws are relatively relaxed compared to some other states. No permit is required to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns in Colorado. Additionally, firearms do not need to be registered, and owners do not need to be licensed. However, a permit is required to carry a concealed handgun in the state.
Colorado operates under a “Shall Issue” policy for concealed carry permits, meaning that authorities must issue a permit to an applicant who meets the basic requirements set by law. The state also honors concealed carry permits from residents of states it recognizes, although individuals must be 21 or older to carry with a recognized permit in Colorado.
The bill is expected to pass the House and gain the governor’s approval, despite previous attempts at similar legislation failing due to the state’s libertarian streak. This includes past opposition from Democratic Governor Jared Polis. If enacted, this law would represent a significant legislative step in a state with a history of severe mass shootings.
