Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday signed into law what may be the toughest gun control regulations in state history. Under the new law, it is illegal to buy, sell and make most semi-automatic firearms without background checks and training.
The governor was under heavy pressure to veto the bill from gun rights advocates, including Colorado’s Republican members of Congress. They say the new law is unconstitutional.
Bill sponsor state Rep. Tom Sullivan says it is lifesaving.
“We have been able to add to the safety of each and every Coloradan,” he said.
Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting.
“My family made the decision that we would not be silent or (invisible). We would speak out and be present for all those who have been impacted by the public health crisis that is gun violence,” he said.
He has helped pass nearly two dozen gun laws since becoming a state lawmaker in 2019. The new law is the most far-reaching, although it doesn’t go as far as Sullivan would have liked. The original version banned so-called assault weapons. Polis negotiated several amendments, including an exemption for those who agree to an extensive vetting process.
“We can make sure the people who choose to buy guns, first of all, are able to choose the gun they want, but also that they’re properly trained,” Polis said at a bill signing ceremony.
Hellbound and Down 