Update on Pending Colorado Firearm Legislation

On Wednesday, February 6 the House Judiciary Committee voted 5 to 4 to defeat House Bill 1066, sponsored by State Representative Cory Gardner (R-63). This “Castle Doctrine” legislation would have extended self-defense protections beyond the home to include businesses.

In spite of this unfortunate loss, three anti-freedom bills were also defeated in the Colorado legislature this week thanks to the activism of NRA members.  

On Wednesday, February 6, the House Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee voted down two bills, House Bill 1137 and House Bill 1096.

House Bill 1137, sponsored by State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg (R-65), would have forced the Division of Wildlife to sell an equal amount of hunting land for every purchase, grant, or gift of hunting land it inherits – a “No-Net Gain” bill.  A motion to suspend indefinitely was supported by 7 to 6 margin.

House Bill 1096, introduced by State Representative Debbie Stafford (D-40) would have prevented any hunting in any enclosure, no matter how large.  A motion to suspend indefinitely was supported by a 12-0 vote, killing the bill.

Finally, House Bill 1190 was withdrawn by its sponsor, State Representative James Kerr (R-28).  HB1190 would have eliminated the requirement that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation remain open for business for at least 12 hours on Sundays in order to process requests for instant criminal background checks.  HB 1190 would have negatively impacted firearm dealers and gun-shows by exacerbating wait times for purchasing a firearm, especially since most firearm purchases occur on weekends.