Four Gun Reform Bills are on the Governor’s Desk It wasn’t until 10:30 last night that the remaining bill finally crossed the legislative finish line. Now all four gun violence prevention bills considered in the latter half of the session are on their way to Governor Polis for his signature. These are: SB21-256 Local Regulations of Firearms Allows cities and counties to enact stronger restrictions on purchase and possession of firearms, ammunition, components and accessories. Allows cities, counties, special districts and public colleges and universities to prohibit guns in public buildings and specific areas under their jurisdiction. Correction from last note: the bill passed the House 39-24-2. HB21-1255 Domestic Violence Relinquishment Tightens procedures for courts on requiring relinquishment of firearms by domestic violence abusers. HB21-1298 Expanded Background Checks Prohibits for 5 years the purchase of firearms by those with violent misdemeanor convictions. Closes the Charleston Loophole and extends the period for CBI to resolve appeals. HB21-1299 Office of Gun Violence Prevention Creates this new office charged with public awareness campaigns, collaboration on research, being a repository of data and research and managing grants (as monies are available) to violence intervention programs. ACTION ALERT: Please contact Governor Polis and encourage him to sign all four of the gun violence prevention bills. Governor Polis: Governorpolis@state.co.us or through web page at www.colorado.gov/governor 303-866-2471 Suggested message: “Governor Polis. It is very important to me that we increase public safety in Colorado by enacting the four gun reform bills passed by the legislature. These bills will address domestic violence, close the Charleston Loophole, deny firearm transfers to people with a demonstrated propensity for violence, and will return to cities, counties, colleges and universities the ability to regulate firearms or the carrying of concealed weapons as seems appropriate for their communities. Additionally, establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention will take a major step forward in education, research and funding of violence intervention programs. I appreciate all that you have done for public safety in Colorado and look forward to your signing these bills. Also please thank bill sponsors for their valiant efforts in making Colorado safer: |