In Colorado, a milestone was reached as a bill aiming to ban the sale of so-called assault weapons made significant progress through the Democratic-controlled House on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Sponsored by Democratic Representative Tim Hernández, the legislation seeks to prohibit the sale or transfer of semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features. This includes pistol grips or folding stocks. Notably, the bill allows current owners to retain their firearms.Â
The Colorado House bill 1292, which passed with a vote of 35 to 27, represents the first time such a measure has advanced this far in Colorado. Previously, similar proposals faced significant hurdles, failing to garner enough support even for introduction. Governor Jared Polis expressed his support for such legislation, citing concerns about public safety and the ease of acquiring such weapons from neighboring states like Wyoming.
In a contentious legislative journey, the assault weapons ban bill faced hurdles and debates in the Colorado House of Representatives. Sponsored by Reps. Elisabeth Epps and Tim Hernandez, the bill aimed to prohibit the possession and sale of assault weapons in the state.
However, fierce opposition from Republicans and critics, including Rep. Matt Soper, characterized the bill as an infringement on Second Amendment rights. They argued that the proposed ban would be unconstitutional and would effectively outlaw a significant portion of firearms in Colorado.
Despite the opposition, the bill made progress in the House, with amendments introduced to address concerns about enforcement and penalties for gun dealers. One such amendment suggested imposing financial penalties and requiring reporting to the Department of Revenue for dealers involved in selling or purchasing the banned weapons.
However, this time, Democrats rallied behind the bill, emphasizing its importance in addressing gun violence in the wake of tragedies like the Columbine shooting in 1999 and the more recent incident at a Boulder King Soopers that occurred on March 22, 2021.
Source: https://www.printfriendly.com/p/g/TLVVD9
Details of Colorado’s House Bill 24-1292
In response to the ongoing threat of gun violence and mass shootings, the Colorado State Legislature has introduced House Bill 24-1292, aimed at prohibiting certain firearms commonly used in public mass shootings.
The bill, sponsored by Representatives Hernandez, Epps, Garcia, and others, defines the term “assault weapon” and outlines strict prohibitions on the manufacturing, importing, purchasing, selling, offering to sell, or transferring ownership of such firearms. Additionally, the bill restricts the possession of rapid-fire trigger activators.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals found in violation of these prohibitions would face substantial penalties, with a first-time offense resulting in a fine of $250,000 and subsequent violations incurring a penalty of $500,000 each.
While the bill seeks to establish comprehensive restrictions, it includes exemptions for certain individuals and entities. These exemptions cover members of the United States armed forces, peace officers, licensed firearms manufacturers, forensic laboratories, historical societies, and more.
The bill also provides clarity on the definition of “assault weapon,” including specific characteristics and models encompassed by the term. This definition aims to address firearms designed for rapid and efficient killing, particularly in mass shooting scenarios.
Moreover, the legislation underscores the legislative intent to prioritize public safety, citing the devastating impact of mass shootings on communities across Colorado. By curbing access to assault weapons and related accessories, lawmakers aim to mitigate the risk of future tragedies and enhance public safety statewide.
House Bill 24-1292 represents a significant step in Colorado’s efforts to combat gun violence and protect its residents from the devastating effects of mass shootings. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in on its provisions, shaping the outcome of this critical legislation.
For more information and updates on House Bill 24-1292, visit the official website of the Colorado General Assembly at (http://leg.colorado.gov).
Source: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024A/bills/2024a_1292_01.pdf
Public Opinion on Colorado’s House Bill 24-1292
Giffords’ polling data reveals a significant shift in public opinion regarding gun safety measures in Colorado. The research was published on November 21, 2022. It suggests that preventing gun violence has become a top concern for voters, with a majority supporting stronger gun laws. This sentiment is echoed by Executive Director Peter Ambler, who emphasizes the decisive re-election of Senator Michael Bennet, attributing it to Bennet’s support for gun safety policies.
The polling indicates that Giffords’ gun safety ads targeting Republican Joe O’Dea’s ties to the gun lobby played a crucial role in solidifying support for Senator Bennet. The ads broke through to voters, highlighting O’Dea’s stance on guns and ultimately influencing voter behavior in favor of Bennet.
In response to the tragedy in Colorado Springs that happened on November 19–20, 2022, and ongoing concerns about gun violence, Colorado voters are increasingly demanding action from their elected officials. This sentiment aligns with the state’s active involvement in Giffords’ Gun Owners for Safety initiative, showcasing a grassroots movement advocating for responsible gun laws.
However, the polling data also underscores the deep divide on this issue, with opposition from gun rights advocates and some Republicans who view gun safety measures as infringements on Second Amendment rights. This polarization reflects the broader national debate on gun control.
Overall, the research suggests that gun safety has emerged as a winning issue in Colorado, with candidates like Senator Bennet benefiting from their support for common-sense reforms.
Overview of Colorado’s House Bill 24-1292 with the New York SAFE Act and the California Assault Weapons Control Act
Sources
1)https://nics.ny.gov/safe-act#:~:text=The%20New%20York%20State%20SAFE,and%20imposes%20the%20toughest%20assault
2) https://oag.ca.gov/ogvp/fed-assault-weapons-ban
| Legislation | Colorado House Bill 24-1292 (April 14, 2024) | New York SAFE Act (January 15, 2013) | California Assault Weapons Control Act (1989) |
| Scope | Bans assault weapons | Bans assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines, and implements universal background checks | Bans the sale and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines |
| Definition of Assault Weapons | Specifies characteristics such as semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features like pistol grips, folding stocks, and flash suppressors | Defines assault weapons based on specific features like folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips, and threaded barrels | Defines assault weapons by features such as detachable magazines, flash suppressors, and pistol grips |
| Implementation | State-level legislation | State-level legislation | State-level legislation |
| Enforcement | Enforced by state law enforcement agencies | Enforced by state law enforcement agencies | Enforced by state law enforcement agencies |
| Impact | Expected to reduce access to assault weapons and potentially decrease gun violence | Intended to reduce gun violence and mass shootings by restricting access to certain firearms | Aimed at reducing gun violence and preventing mass shootings by limiting access to assault weapons |
| Penalties | Penalties for violations include fines and potential loss of firearm licenses | Penalties for violations include fines and potential imprisonment | Penalties for violations include fines and potential imprisonment |
| Opposition | Faces opposition from gun rights advocates and some Republicans who argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights | Faced opposition from gun rights advocates and some Republicans citing Second Amendment rights | Faced opposition from gun rights advocates and some Republicans citing Second Amendment rights |
| Support | Supported by gun control activists and Democrats who argue it is necessary for public safety | Supported by gun control activists and Democrats who argue it is necessary for public safety | Supported by gun control activists and Democrats who argue it is necessary for public safety |
What’s Next?
For Colorado House Bill 24-1292 to become law, it needs to pass through the state Senate and receive the governor’s approval. This involves navigating potential amendments and garnering enough support from lawmakers. However, given the contentious nature of gun legislation, legal challenges are likely.
Opponents may argue that the bill violates Second Amendment rights or that its definition of assault weapons is too broad. Additionally, enforcement may pose challenges regarding tracking and regulating existing assault weapons. To address these issues, proponents must ensure the bill’s language is clear and its provisions are constitutionally sound, while also advocating for effective enforcement mechanisms to uphold public safety.