Brady Celebrates Signing of Three Colorado Gun Violence Prevention Bills into Law

Washington, D.C., June 19, 2021 - Today, Brady celebrates Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ signing of three gun violence prevention bills into law. These bills, HB21-1298, HB21-1299, and SB21-256, represent a comprehensive approach to address gun violence in all of its forms and will undoubtedly save the lives of Coloradans for years to come. Brady thanks the sponsors of these bills for introducing and championing these important policies, as well as Colorado Ceasefire for its tireless work and advocacy in ensuring that they became law.

Gun Violence Survivor, Colorado Resident and Brady Vice President of Organizing Maisha Fields shared:

“Colorado will be safer tomorrow because of these bills being signed today. This year a mass shooting in our state galvanized the nation, yet we know that there have been hundreds of incidents of gun violence and lives lost that have not attracted headlines but have nonetheless broken families and traumatized our communities. As the bills that Gov. Polis has signed into law today will help fight against this epidemic and protect families from the pain and trauma of gun violence. From closing the Charleston loophole in Colorado gun sales to allowing cities and communities to pass and enforce their own public safety laws, these policies will make Colorado safer. In particular, the creation of an office of gun violence prevention will similarly ensure a cohesive public health approach to addressing this epidemic in a comprehensive manner. Brady thanks the sponsors of each of these bills for championing these life-saving policies and the Colorado House of Representatives and Senate for prudently passing them. Finally, we again thank Gov. Polis for signing these bills to keep Coloradans safe from gun violence. The efforts and dedication of the legislature, advocates, and Governor combined will save lives.”

Brady Colorado State Lead Val Beck shared:

“In the wake of tragedies like the one we saw in Boulder this year, or the one in Aurora nine years ago, or the one at Columbine High School 22 years ago, Coloradans have persistently called for common-sense gun violence prevention policies. These tragedies have been too frequent and the toll of everyday gun violence that does not make the news but hurts our state and our communities have been too much to bear. Today’s bill signing demonstrates that we can make progress and that we can bring gun safety to Colorado. Brady Colorado thanks the General Assembly for passing these important bills and thanks Governor Polis for signing them into law. It is a new day in Colorado.”

About HB21-1298:

HB21-1298 will close the so-called ‘Charleston Loophole’ by affording the Colorado Bureau of Investigation the time needed to complete a background check for a firearm transfer and ensure that the background check investigation is complete before a firearm is transferred to a potential owner. The bill also prohibits the bureau from approving the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of specific violent misdemeanor offenses for a period of five years. The bill also provides the bureau with additional time to review and make a determination on individuals’ appeals to the system.

About HB21-1299:

HB21-1299 will establish an office of gun violence prevention to address gun violence in Colorado as a public health crisis and to coordinate a comprehensive response between offices and agencies across the government.

About SB21-256:

SB21-256 would permit a local government to enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that is not less restrictive than state laws.