New off , a traditional vote , to advance a ban on some high- driven, semi- automatic guns, the Colorado House approved three more gun- related bills over the weekend — sending them across the Capitol for another round of debate.
Those votes on Saturday were followed Monday by the state Senate’s last authorization for two additional gun reform bills dealing with , concealed- carry permits , and , firearms storeroom in vehicles.
The House’s Saturday votes — on bills concerning weapon dealer registration, insurance requirements for gun owners, and taxes on sales of guns and ammunition — relied on aid merely from Democrats, though varying numbers of the lot conference opposed each expenses, joining Republicans.
The party splits were similar for Monday’s votes in the Senate.
The Legislature’s Democrats this year , have embraced gun control and reform measures , as they seek to reduce gun violence, advancing a slate of bills that would add new restrictions while also seeking to better enforce existing laws. In response to the legislation’s Republican counterparts ‘ criticism of the package as potentially violating the Second Amendment, their allies have promised swift legal challenges should many of the bills ever become law.
On Friday, Democratic House leadership limited initial discussion on each measure to between 90 minutes and two hours, a tactic that is increasingly being used to stifle Republican filibustering for contentious debates.
While the highest- profile measure — the ban on “assault” weapons — , awaits a Senate committee hearing, here is where the other newly advanced bills stand:
— Concealed- carry training: Passed 20- 14 by the Senate,  , House Bill 1174 , would increase requirements for anyone seeking to obtain a concealed- carry permit. Eight hours of coursework and a test that a trainee must pass would be required under the bill. In-person training and live-fire exercises would also be required. The bill’s next stop is Gov. Jared Polis ‘ desk.
— Gun storage in vehicles: Passed 21- 13 by the Senate,  , House Bill 1348 , would require that when gun owners leave firearms in their vehicles, they store them in a “locked, hard- sided container”. Changes made by moderate Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to enact stronger penalties for gun theft caused disagreements with the House-passed version. Rep. Elizabeth Velasco claimed that sponsors were likely to present the bill to a negotiating committee to remove the penalties.
— Liability insurance: Passed by the House 33- 29 — with the barest majority possible — , House Bill 1270 , would require gun owners to also hold liability insurance that covers injury, death or property damage caused by “any accidental or unintentional discharge of the firearm”. Most people with homeowners or renters insurance, according to supporters, already have coverage. The bill now goes to the Senate.
— Tax on guns and ammo: Passed by the House 44- 18,  , House Bill 1349 , proposes to ask voters in November whether the state should apply a 9 % excise tax on ammo vendors, gun dealers and firearms manufacturers. The first$ 35 million raised by the tax would go toward grants for crime victims ‘ service, with the next$ 20 million going to be divided between mental health services and schools. The bill now goes to the Senate.
— Gun dealer licensure: Passed by the House 40- 21, under , House Bill 1353, retail gun dealers— who already need federal licenses— would need a state permit, too. Supporters claim that federal authorities lack the resources to properly investigate potential state or federal law violations. Additionally, the legislation would require owners of stores and employees to receive training to spot potentially illegal sales and better secure the weapons. The bill now moves to the Senate.
During debate of the licensure bill, House Republicans, who uniformly opposed it, accused Democrats of focusing on law- abiding gun dealers.
The legislation fits into other bills being pursued by Democrats this year. That includes a bill to give more funding to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to track down illegal gun sales and other, potentially illegal activity. If gun dealers violate the proposed assault weapons ban ( and if the ban becomes law ), the licenses required by the bill would also be in jeopardy.
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