During The 2024 Legislative Session, Colorado Lawmakers Passed Six Gun Safety Bills
DENVER — Today, Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots network, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statements applauding Colorado Governor Jared Polis for signing into law a measure to support investigations by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of attempted illegal firearm purchases, and legislation to require secure storage of firearms in cars. Both policies address gun crimes in Colorado.
“Colorado communities continue to deal with the retraumatization of gun violence, which is often a result of gun crimes,” said Carol Callicotte- Belmon, a volunteer with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Guns stolen from cars often go from legal hands to the illegal market, where they are too often used to carry out crimes, including violence. Locking up your guns is the easiest way to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands — whether that be children, people at risk or criminals. Additionally, streamlining investigations of attempted illegal gun purchases will help break cycles of violence. Today, once again, Colorado and Governor Polis are showing what it means to be a gun safety leader. We thank our state for continuing to take measures to address gun violence with a 360 approach, and look forward to the Governor signing additional gun legislation into law.”
“When gun violence is the leading cause of death for our generation, our leaders should be working overtime to make sure these deadly weapons aren’t stolen or accessed illegally,” said Gracie Taub, a volunteer leader with the Denver East High School Students Demand Action chapter. “Gun crimes play a huge role in the impact America’s gun violence crisis has on young people and we’re grateful Governor Polis continues to prioritize the safety of our communities. We urge policymakers to keep introducing and passing common-sense gun laws so we can continue to save lives in Colorado.”
Colorado continues to be a leader in gun violence prevention. During the 2024 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers passed six gun safety bills. Colorado ranks 11th in gun law strength in the nation. During the 2024 legislative session, the Colorado legislature also passed:
- House Bill 24-1353 legislation that would require retail firearm dealers to obtain a state permit to sell firearms in Colorado. Additionally, this bill will require firearm dealers and employees to undergo background checks, receive training, and implement security measures.
- House Bill 24-1174, legislation to expand training requirements for permits to carry concealed handguns in Colorado. This bill would help foster responsible gun ownership by requiring concealed carry permit holders to undergo more extensive training.
- Senate Bill SB24-131, legislation to prohibit the carrying of firearms in sensitive spaces, including polling places and all schools.
- Senate Bill 24-066, legislation to require credit card companies and other financial institutions that process payments to develop a code specifically for the purchase of firearms and related products. The bill has already been signed into law by Governor Polis.
In an average year, 951 people die and 1,392 are wounded by guns in Colorado. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Colorado, and an average of 84 children and teens die by guns every year, of which 48% are suicides and 47% are homicides. Gun violence in Colorado costs $2,039 per resident each year. Gun deaths and injuries cost Colorado $11.7 billion each year, of which $156.1 million is paid by taxpayers.
More information about gun violence in Colorado is available here.