A contentious proposal to implement some of the strictest gun-ownership rules in the country is up for debate in the state House of Representatives Friday.
The measure is ultimately expected to get widespread support from the Democratic majority, but will likely also face a long filibuster from Republicans, who argue the measure is outright unconstitutional. The measure, , would make it illegal in Colorado to buy, sell and make most guns that use detachable magazines, including numerous rifles, shotguns, pistols and some handguns.
Supporters say it鈥檚 necessary to limit the damage caused during mass shootings by strengthening the state鈥檚 decade-old ban on magazines with more than fifteen rounds.
鈥淥ur state鈥檚 existing high-capacity magazine ban needs to be enforced more fully,鈥� said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, a bill sponsor. 鈥淪ince Colorado does not prohibit any type of semiautomatic, military-style weapon, a potential mass shooter or criminal can legally purchase an exceptionally deadly firearm and obtain a prohibited magazine with relative ease.鈥�
The bill is also sponsored by Sen. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed during the 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater.
The state Senate approved the bill earlier this month, but only after making some changes to the bill to secure the support of Gov. Jared Polis, who was skeptical of the original measure鈥檚 scope.
One amendment exempts several dozen firearms that are commonly used for hunting. Another would let people buy prohibited guns if they go through hours of safety training and get approval from their local sheriff.
With the changes in place, Polis indicated he will sign the bill into law if it makes it to his desk, which is likely.
鈥淲e want to make sure there's a workable and reasonable path forward for Coloradans who want to purchase weapons with attachable magazines for sports shooting, for hunting,鈥� Polis said. 鈥淲e can protect our Second Amendment rights here in Colorado and improve the education and gun safety knowledge of gun owners.鈥�
Lawmakers in the House are focused on lowering the cost of the bill as much as possible. Sponsors have brought down its funding to $1.4 million, a fairly small amount compared to the size of the $46 billion state budget. With the legislature facing a massive budget deficit this year, measures with funding attached are harder to pass.
If it successfully makes it through Friday鈥檚 first round of House debate, it will then go through a final vote in the chamber. Then, the Senate will have to approve any changes made by the House before it can be sent to Polis鈥� desk.
Even with the changes from the original version, the measure would still create some of the country鈥檚 strictest gun-ownership laws.
鈥淐olorado could be really a pioneer in true safety tests for civilian firearm owners,鈥� said Daniel Webster, who researches state gun laws at Johns Hopkins University. 鈥淔or Colorado to take the step, it would be a statement that you can still preserve your Second Amendment rights, but that it's important for there to be a more rigorous process for vetting to make sure that the person is safe.鈥�
Webster said it鈥檚 particularly significant that it鈥檚 happening in a Western state like Colorado that has a deep-rooted gun culture.
The bill is bringing national attention to the legislature. Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action are supporting the bill on one side, with the National Rifle Association and other groups lobbying against it.
On the local level, some of the bill鈥檚 most vocal critics are the state鈥檚 gun dealers, who claim the bill will do significant damage to their businesses. Some say it would make up to 75% of their inventory illegal overnight. Others say it would put them out of business altogether.
Even if it鈥檚 signed into law, the measure will likely continue to face opposition. Rocky Mountain Gun Owners said it is already preparing to challenge the bill in court.
