The Legislation Would Allow Courts to Temporarily Prohibit a Person from Having a Gun if Law Enforcement or Immediate Family Members Show That They Poses a Danger to Self or Others
DENVER – The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applaud the introduction of Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation that would empower family members and law enforcement officers to ask a court to temporarily block a person’s access to guns if there is evidence that they pose a threat to self or others. More information about this type of legislation is available here.
“We’re thrilled to see this bill introduced today,” said Karin Asensio, a volunteer with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We should do everything in our power to protect our communities from gun violence and this bill would only make it easier for family members and law enforcement officers to help people in crisis. There are no better sponsors for this legislation than Rep. Tom Sullivan and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, and we’re so proud of the work they’re doing to keep Coloradans safe”
Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws, also known as Red Flag laws, empower law enforcement officers and family members to seek a court order to temporarily block a person from having guns if they are a danger to themselves or others.
Last year, the Colorado House of Representatives passed similar legislation. This type of legislation gained traction in the wake of the Parkland shooting, where 14 students and three staff members were shot and killed. Thirteen states have enacted Red Flag Laws, including eight in 2018 alone.
