By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Fresh on then heels of a debate over a proposed tax on guns and ammunition, Colorado lawmakers are reportedly narrowing the types of so-called “sensitive spaces” where firearms would be prohibited under legislation known as SB24-131.
Colorado Public Radio is now reporting the original version of the bill listed places where guns would be banned, but this list “has been significantly narrowed” after Democrat State Sen. Dyland Roberts raised concerns about the legislation. Now CPR says the “sensitive space” list includes:
- Public and private schools
- Courthouses
- Local government buildings (unless the local government chooses to allow firearms)
- Polling places
- Much of the state capitol building
The legislation is sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Chris Kolker, and Reps. Kyle Brown and Mandy Lindsay.
Proposed CO Gun, Ammo Tax: Why Should Honest Gun Owners Pay for Crimes?
During a hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kolker asserted guns make things more dangerous. CPR quoted him stating, “The presence of firearms, often escalating minor disputes into deadly encounters, has left an indelible mark in our communities. This risk magnifies when firearms are introduced into environments where our children learn and play, leading to the possibility of misfire or an accidental discharge.”
But Second Amendment activists are more than a little skeptical, reminding lawmakers that criminals do not bother with gun laws, including so-called “gun-free” zone restrictions.
Since Democrats took control of the Colorado Legislature they have pushed gun control, same as Democrats in other states including California, Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.
Gun prohibition lobbying groups also play in this process, and while they support tougher gun laws, a situation developing in California underscores their perceived unwillingness to get tough on criminals.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli blasted Moms Demand Action and other gun control groups for not supporting his legislation which could add prison time for the use of a firearm in a crime. Assembly Bill 3037 was voted down in committee, the newspaper said.
The Moms group and Everytown for Gun Safety reportedly have not taken a position on the bill.
