DENVER ― The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applaud the Colorado Senate for passing Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation. HB19-1177 would empower family members and law enforcement officers to ask a judge to temporarily suspend a person’s access to guns if there is documented evidence that the person poses a serious risk to themselves or others. In addition to its potential for preventing future mass shootings, this type of law has also been found effective in preventing firearm suicides. The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives.
“This vote is a major win for public safety,” said Erin Bertoli, volunteer leader with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “After several hearings, our senators have shown they’re ready to do more to keep guns from those who are a threat to themselves or others. We’re grateful to our lawmakers for their votes today and we hope this bill will be on the governor’s desk soon.”
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund recently released new polling showing the vast majority of Coloradans — including 78 percent of gun owners — support the concept of Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws.
The poll of more than 1,000 registered voters was conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. Among other findings, it found:
- 87 percent of respondents — including 78 percent of gun owners — support the concept of ERPO laws.
- Support for this includes clear majorities of both Democratic and Republican respondents: 83 percent of respondents who identify as strongly Republican support this policy, as do 97 percent of those who identify as strongly Democratic.
Fourteen states and Washington, D.C. have enacted Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws. More information about this type of legislation is available here.