Lawmakers in the Centennial State are one step closer to passing a sweeping ban on semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
By a vote of 19-15, SB-003 has cleared the Colorado Senate and is making it’s way towards to Colorado House.
The bill was introduced as one of the most infringing bills ever written — which would’ve banned virtually every semi-automatic firearm with a “detachable magazine.”
However, amendments were passed to make exceptions for some vintage firearms and essentially require a “certification” to purchase a firearm banned under this bill — similarly to a FOID card (Firearm Owner Identification) that is currently in place in Illinois.
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, state affiliate of the National Association for Gun Rights, has been leading the charge against this bill and previously had a major hand in defeating similar “Assault Weapons” Bans bills in the past two years
While the bill did pass the Senate, there are already signs of Colorado gun owners’ pressure having an impact.
Senator Tony Exum (D) did vote “NO” on the bill in the Senate and explained why to a local news outlet saying:
“I couldn’t risk the fact of possibly losing my seat through a recall. All the gun legislation that we’ve had in the past, I voted for, even with the threat of recalls, but this had a different energy to it.”
On Monday, the bill was completely removed from the House calendar, which is a good sign the pressure is working, however it could be added back any day now.
Read more at KOAA News 5.
