Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:04/13/2015
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:32 PM to 12:50 AM
Foote
X
Humphrey
X
Place:RM 271
Lontine
X
Neville P.
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Primavera
X
Representative Ryden
Tate
X
Thurlow
X
This Report was prepared by
Tyler
X
Jessika Shipley
Willett
X
Salazar
X
Ryden
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
SB15-086
HB15-1168
SB15-175
HB15-1138
SB15-032
HB15-1152
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely


01:33 PM -- SB15-086

Representative Joshi, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 15-086. This bill removes the requirement that anyone who is not a licensed gun dealer require a criminal background check and approval of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in order to transfer a firearm to another person. It also repeals the requirement that the CBI impose a fee for conducting an instant criminal background check for the transfer of a firearm.

The committee discussed the bill's fiscal note.

01:40 PM --
James Bardwell, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bardwell explained that the state used to cover the cost of background checks and expressed his opinion that it should do so again. He discussed the constitutional right to gun ownership. He responded to questions from the committee about background checks.

01:48 PM --
Ron Sloan, representing CBI, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Sloan discussed the public safety benefits of background checks. He provided information about background checks conducted in the past year. He talked about approvals and denials. He talked about the fee reduction from $10 to $7 for background checks. He responded to questions from the committee about the offenses for which individuals are denied permission for a gun transfer. He discussed background check transaction time. He also stated the CBI's opposition to House Bill 15-1138. He responded to questions about concealed carry permit background checks.






02:00 PM --
Rick Calhoun, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Calhoun discussed popular opposition to background checks for gun transfers due to unintended consequences. He expressed disagreement with studies cited by many gun control advocates.

02:03 PM --
Ted Alcorn, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Alcorn provided statistics about background checks, broken down by where the background checks were initiated. He spoke about gun owner behavior since 2013. He responded to questions from the committee about gun deaths in Missouri after the state repealed its background check requirement.

02:10 PM --
Cliff Anderson, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Anderson responded to questions from the committee about the number of individuals with a criminal history who acquire guns through illegal means.

02:13 PM --
Jane Dougherty, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dougherty spoke about her sister's death at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She asked whether her sister's right to life should have been superseded by another's right to gun ownership.

02:17 PM --
Ryan Stitt, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stitt stated that elected officials are responsible for protecting constitutional rights. He discussed partisan politics.

02:20 PM --
Tom Sullivan, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Sullivan spoke about his son's death in the Aurora theater shooting.

02:22 PM --
James Mapes, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mapes discussed whether the cost of background checks was borne by individuals purchasing fishing and hunting permits at some point in the past.

02:24 PM --
Don Macalady, representing Hunters Against Gun Violence, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Macalady spoke about constitutional rights and the ability of the state to limit those rights in the interest of public safety.

02:29 PM --
Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dietz expressed his opinion that criminals do not get background checks.

02:31 PM --
Josie Brady, representing Generation Progress, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Brady provided statistics about background checks and gun violence.

02:34 PM --
Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Edmiston distributed a packet of research on gun laws (Attachment A). He referred to the information in the packet. He responded to questions about the data.

15HouseState0413AttachA.pdf15HouseState0413AttachA.pdf

02:41 PM --
Brooke Squires, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Squires spoke about her direct and indirect personal experience with gun violence. She discussed the effectiveness of background checks.







02:44 PM --
James Winchester, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Winchester raised concerns with the way the law concerning background checks is being administered. He discussed the time it takes for a background check to be processed. He discussed his problem with the issue of records retention.

02:50 PM --
Jean Grattet, representing the League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Grattet reiterated the testimony of Mr. Alcorn. She responded to questions from the committee about the statistics she provided.

02:55 PM --
David Gunn, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Gunn spoke about his gun-related inventions.

03:00 PM --
Marilyn Hughes, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hughes spoke about her personal experience with guns.

03:03 PM --
David Hoover, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hoover spoke about his personal experience with gun violence. He responded to questions from the committee about the process of private gun transfers.

03:08 PM --
Marisa Dirks, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dirks expressed her opinion that the National Rifle Association has changed its mission over time.

03:12 PM --
Karen Rosenschein, representing Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, testified in opposition to the bill.

03:15 PM --
Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Waligorski spoke about the prohibition against gun ownership by individuals who have a qualifying domestic violence conviction. She provided statistics about intimate partner gun violence.

03:19 PM --
Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. McGuire spoke about his passion for gun safety.

03:26 PM --
Jennifer Hope, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Hope spoke about her personal experience with gun violence. She discussed her passion for safer communities and gun safety.

03:30 PM --
Patricia Taylor, representing Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Taylor expressed her opinion that background checks work.

03:31 PM --
Lisa Corbett, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Corbett spoke about gun violence and her background as a police dispatcher. She responded to questions from the committee about guns in schools.

03:37 PM --
Jim Engelking, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Engelking discussed the gun control legislation brought forward in 2013. He spoke about his passion for gun safety, which was triggered by the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

03:41 PM --
Owen Clyncke, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Clyncke expressed his opinion that citizens should not have to pay for background checks. He stated that he also supports Senate Bill 15-032. He discussed his constitutional right to keep and bear arms. He spoke about gun control laws versus the number of guns in Vermont.






03:47 PM --
Angela Padilla, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Padilla spoke about gun violence in Colorado.

03:50 PM --
Beverly Bunker, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Bunker spoke about her professional experience and about her children's experience with gun violence at Arapahoe High School.

03:54 PM --
Alana Smart, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Smart reiterated the testimony of prior witnesses.

03:58 PM --
Katie Lyles, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in opposition to the bill and to House Bill 15-1168. Ms. Lyles spoke about her experience as a student at Columbine High School and as a teacher in the Jefferson County School District. She expressed concerns about the possession of guns in schools. She distributed copies of her written statement (Attachment B).

15HouseState0413AttachB.pdf15HouseState0413AttachB.pdf

04:04 PM --
Jon Ippolito, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Ippolito stated that he supports background checks, but would like their administration to be different. He discussed his experience as a deputy district attorney. He expressed his opinion that the large-capacity ammunition magazine ban is ineffective and should be repealed. He indicated that studies show that ammunition magazine bans have no effect on public safety. He stated that Dan May, the 4th Judicial District Attorney, supports Senate Bill 15-175. He responded to questions from the committee about fine-tuning Colorado gun laws.

04:17 PM --
Tom Mauser, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mauser spoke generally about public safety and gun violence. He discussed public opinion about these issues and individuals who are denied permission for a gun transfer. He expressed support for preventative steps to end gun violence.

04:20 PM --
Erin DaCosta, representing herself, testified in opposition to House Bill 15-1168. Ms. DaCosta expressed her fears about guns being carried in schools. She talked about gun violence in Colorado.

04:24 PM --
Robert Barnett, representing himself, testified in support of SB 15-086, HB 15-1168, and SB 15-175. He discussed the right to self-defense. He spoke in support of concealed weapons and stated that it is an original right to be able to bear arms.



















04:28 PM

Representative Joshi provided concluding remarks regarding the bill.
BILL:SB15-086
TIME: 04:39:42 PM
MOVED:Neville P.
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-086 to the Committee on Finance. The motion failed on a vote of 4-7.
SECONDED:Humphrey
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
No
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

BILL:SB15-086
TIME: 04:40:24 PM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone Senate Bill 15-086 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




04:41 PM -- HB15-1168

Representative Neville, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1168. This bill removes the restriction that exists under current law which prohibits a person with a concealed carry permit from carrying a concealed weapon on the property of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school. He showed stacks of petitions signed by people in support of his bill.

04:44 PM --
Melanie Foster, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Foster spoke about her experience as a teacher and asked for the ability to carry a firearm in her classroom to protect her students.

04:49 PM --
Ken Toltz, representing Safe Campus Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Toltz spoke about accidents related to guns that occur daily. He provided statistics about gun deaths attributable to concealed carry permit holders.

04:53 PM --
Larry Wieda, representing Northern Colorado Crimestoppers, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Wieda discussed a program called Scholastic Crimestoppers. He expressed that having a well-trained, armed individual on campus will enhance school safety. He responded to questions from the committee about the practical effect of the bill.

05:01 PM --
Daniel Intolubbe-Chamil, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Intolubbe-Chamil expressed his opinion that armed school staff and administrators open the door to a number of dangerous situations that will not keep children safe.

05:04 PM --
James Bardwell, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bardwell stated that "the only solution to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." He stated that concealed carry permit holders are well vetted by law enforcement and should be allowed to carry firearms into schools to protect children. He responded to questions from the committee about the practical effect of the bill.

05:20 PM --
Rita Marquez, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Marquez spoke about her experience as a teacher and expressed her concern with arming teachers. She responded to questions from the committee.

05:23 PM --
Lily Tang Williams, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Williams stated her opinion that gun-free zones are advertisements to criminals. She also expressed her support for Senate Bill 15-175. She discussed communism and tyranny.

05:27 PM --
Patricia Taylor, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Taylor expressed her opinion that arming teachers and administrators would not have limited the deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

05:29 PM --
Debra Irvine, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Irvine discussed the need to be proactive about the protection of children. She indicated that she would like to be able to carry a firearm on airplanes to defend herself. She responded to questions from the committee.

05:34 PM --
Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. McGuire discussed the adequate training of armed individuals in schools. He talked about the risks inherent in arming school staff and administrators.








05:37 PM --
Tom Bjorklund, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bjorklund expressed his opinion that teachers should be trained to protect children with guns in emergency situations. He responded to questions from the committee.

05:48 PM --
Jennifer Hope, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Hope spoke about Colorado's frontier history. She spoke about incidents of gun violence in Colorado and about being a professor at Metropolitan State University.

05:51 PM --
Commander Paul Gregory, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and SB 15-175. Commander Gregory spoke about his experience with the Adams County Sheriff's Office. He responded to questions from the committee.

06:06 PM --
Dawn Reinfeld, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Reinfeld expressed her opinion that current law already allows trained security officers to keep schools safe. She responded to questions from the committee.

06:12 PM --
Jess Loban, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Loban spoke about his right as a parent to protect his children and those in community. He discussed his constitutional rights and proper training.

06:16 PM --
Kathleen Visovatti, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Visovatti discussed high school students to whom she has spoken about this issue and indicated that none of them supported bringing more guns into schools.

06:21 PM --
Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and SB 15-175. Mr. Dietz expressed his opinion that antidepressants cause dangerous side effects that lead to school shootings.

06:25 PM --
Jane Dougherty, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dougherty spoke about her sister, who was a victim of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She expressed her opinion that the idea of arming school staff and administrators is dangerous and delusional. Ms. Dougherty and the committee discussed the surveys displayed by Representative Neville.

06:34 PM --
Matt Allner, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Allner spoke about his family and professional experience as an educator. He discussed the potential for manipulating data to make it say whatever you want it to say. He responded to questions from the committee. He also expressed support for SB 15-175.

06:47 PM --
Jean Grattet, representing the League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Grattet expressed her opinion that a concealed carry permit does not guarantee that someone is a good person. She discussed incidents of gun discharges in schools in 2014.

06:49 PM --
Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Edmiston referred to Attachment A in discussing gun control research.

06:53 PM --
John Putnam, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Putnam spoke about his experience with school violence. He expressed his opinion that individuals who have experienced violent crime will be traumatized by the presence of a firearm.








06:56 PM --
Kirk Fry, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Fry spoke about the time it takes emergency responders to arrive at an emergency situation. He stated that firearms are just tools. He discussed the innate right to self-preservation.

07:00 PM --
Myra Isenhart, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Isenhart discussed the bill from her perspective as an elementary school volunteer. She also expressed opposition to SB 15-175.

07:06 PM --
Phil Ross, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and House Bill 15-1152. Mr. Ross spoke about his constitutional rights. He reiterated the testimony of a number of prior witnesses.

07:14 PM --
Jennifer Bauer Steuck, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Bauer Steuck spoke about her experience as a teacher and as the parent of a student at Columbine High School. She discussed lockdown drills. She talked about mental health problems that arise in a climate of fear.

07:20 PM --
James Winchester, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and SB 15-175. Mr. Winchester spoke about his professional background in the area of law enforcement. He discussed his experience with concealed carry laws. He indicated that K-12 education was excluded from Colorado's concealed carry law because of the Columbine shootings. He discussed better ways to solve the problem of gun violence in Colorado. He talked about the recall elections in 2013. He read from the U.S. Constitution. He responded to questions from the committee.


07:36 PM

Discussion continued between the committee and Mr. Winchester about constitutional law.


07:42 PM

The constitutional law discussion continued.

07:45 PM --
Marilyn Hughes, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Hughes spoke about the bill from the perspective of a former teacher.

07:48 PM --
Tom Mauser, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mauser discussed specific school shootings. He expressed frustration about the hindsight related to Columbine, where his son was killed. He stated that children deserve to have trained professionals protecting them.

07:53 PM --
Josie Brady, Jane Stewart, and Julian Cary, representing Colorado Ceasefire Youth, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Brady stated that 79 percent of 330 East High School students surveyed indicated that they would oppose allowing guns on campus. Ms. Stewart commented that school violence is a real and terrifying problem, but that arming more people is not the answer. Mr. Cary discussed gun violence from the perspective of an African American male. He expressed his opinion that guns should not come into his school, where he feels safe. The committee discussed the bill with the three witnesses.










08:05 PM

The discussion continued.

08:18 PM --
Eileen McCarron, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. McCarron stated that the United States has more guns per capita than any other developed nation. She spoke about gun violence and her experience as a teacher.

08:22 PM --
Jacqui Shumway, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Shumway distributed information from the Federal Emergency Management Administration about mitigating school and workplace gun violence scenarios (Attachment C). She discussed the information in the handout. She responded to questions from the committee.

15HouseState0413AttachC.pdf15HouseState0413AttachC.pdf

08:31 PM --
Julie Meyers, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

08:33 PM --
Deronn Turner, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Turner stated her opinion that school is a safe haven for many children, and introducing guns into that environment could damage that feeling of safety.


08:38 PM

Representative Neville wrapped up his presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:HB15-1168
TIME: 08:43:15 PM
MOVED:Neville P.
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1168 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 4-7.
SECONDED:Humphrey
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
No
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:HB15-1168
TIME: 08:44:11 PM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1168 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


08:44 PM -- SB15-175

The committee took a brief recess.


08:52 PM

The committee reconvened. Representative Humphrey, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 15-175. This bill repeals the ban on the sale, transfer, and possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. It also repeals the requirement that a magazine manufactured in Colorado have a permanent stamp or marking indicating it was produced after July 1, 2013.

Representative Humphrey responded to questions from the committee.

09:01 PM --
James Bardwell, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bardwell stated that current law reserves the most effective form of self-defense for law enforcement. He responded to questions from the committee.

09:06 PM --
Gene Drumm, representing Colorado Faith Communities, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Drumm discussed mass shootings and large-capacity ammunition magazines.

09:11 PM --
Clifford Anderson, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Anderson discussed constitutional rights, tyranny, and communism.








09:19 PM --
Tom Sullivan, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Sullivan discussed the Aurora theater shooting, where his son was killed.

09:22 PM --
Rick Calhoun, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Calhoun stated that current law in ineffective and unenforceable. He distributed a handout (Attachment D). He also provided testimony in support of House Bill 15-1138.

15HouseState0413AttachD.pdf15HouseState0413AttachD.pdf

09:29 PM --
Jane Dougherty, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dougherty discussed the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.

09:34 PM --
Michael Schlierf, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Schlierf discussed the right to defend oneself.

09:38 PM --
Don Macalady, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Macalady expressed his opinion that the bill makes it more difficult for individuals to purchase large-capacity ammunition magazines. He talked about who would benefit from a repeal of the ban. He also provided testimony in opposition to HB 15-1138.

09:43 PM --
Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Edmiston referred to Attachment A. He responded to questions from the committee.

09:48 PM --
Julie Meyers, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

09:51 PM --
Kirk Fry, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Fry expressed his opinion that the large-capacity ammunition magazine ban is nothing but a feel-good measure.

09:54 PM --
Jean Grattet, representing the League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Grattet spoke about the enforceability of the current law.

09:58 PM --
Calvin Burris, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Burris expressed his opinion that members of the committee already have their minds made up about how they will vote.

10:03 PM --
Tom Mauser, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mauser expressed his opinion that banning large-capacity ammunition magazines gives people in a mass shooting a chance to survive.

10:07 PM --
Daniel Carey, representing the National Rifle Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Carey reiterated the testimony of previous witnesses with regard to the ineffectiveness of the current law. He responded to questions from the committee.

10:10 PM --
Dave Hoover, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hoover spoke about his personal and professional background and about his nephew, who was killed in the Aurora theater shooting. He responded to questions from the committee.







10:20 PM --
Jimmy West, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. West reiterated the testimony of previous witnesses with regard to the burden of current law on law-abiding citizens.

10:23 PM --
Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. McGuire reiterated testimony of previous witnesses with regard to the lack of necessity for Colorado citizens to possess large-capacity ammunition magazines.

10:27 PM --
Tom Bjorklund, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bjorklund discussed his World War II-era firearms. He reiterated the testimony of previous witnesses with regard to the ineffectiveness of the current law. He expressed his opinion the he does not need to justify his rights. He responded to questions from the committee.

10:37 PM --
Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. McCarran discussed gun violence in the United States in 2012.


10:41 PM

Representative Humphrey wrapped up his presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:SB15-175
TIME: 10:43:27 PM
MOVED:Humphrey
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-175 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion failed on a vote of 5-6.
SECONDED:Neville P.
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL









BILL:SB15-175
TIME: 10:44:17 PM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone Senate Bill 15-175 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 6-5.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
No
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


10:44 PM -- HB15-1138

Representative Ransom, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1138. This bill allows a person who holds a valid concealed handgun permit (permit) and provides a valid identification card to transfer a firearm at a Colorado gun show without an additional background check. In order to effect this change, the bill amends the application process to obtain a permit to satisfy federal requirements.

On or before October 1, 2015, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Department of Public Safety is required to develop and provide a permit template to each sheriff's office. Each sheriff's office is required to ensure that permits issued on or after January 1, 2016, conform with the template. After this date, a sheriff may not renew an existing permit; instead that permit must be confiscated and a new permit issued using the template developed by the CBI.

The bill clarifies that if a sheriff revokes a permit, he or she is required to confiscate the permit from the permit holder.


10:51 PM

Representative Ransom responded to questions from the committee.

10:54 PM --
Clifford Anderson, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Anderson discussed the mechanics of the bill and the process of obtaining a concealed carry permit. He responded to questions from the committee.







11:05 PM --
Jean Grattet, representing the League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Grattet expressed concern about the five-year concealed carry permit duration and the potential for committing new crimes during that period. She responded to questions from the committee.

11:09 PM --
Ron Pritchett, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Pritchett distributed a written statement (Attachment E). He also provided testimony in support of Senate Bill 15-032.

15HouseState0413AttachE.pdf15HouseState0413AttachE.pdf

11:16 PM --
Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Waligorski stated that there is no statewide database of individuals who hold a concealed carry permit. She responded to questions from the committee. She also provided testimony in opposition to SB 15-032 and House Bill 15-1152.

11:22 PM --
Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Edmiston stated that law-abiding law enforcement officer and law-abiding government official are not necessarily permanent conditions. He responded to questions from the committee.

11:31 PM --
Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. McGuire expressed his opinion that waiving any background checks is a slippery slope and weakens gun control. He also provided testimony in opposition to SB 15-032 and HB 15-1152.

11:39 PM --
Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. McCarron reiterated the testimony of previous witnesses with regard to the long-term validity of concealed carry permits.




























11:43 PM

Representative Ransom wrapped up her presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:HB15-1138
TIME: 11:46:49 PM
MOVED:Neville P.
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1138 to the Committee on Finance. The motion failed on a vote of 5-6.
SECONDED:Humphrey
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

BILL:HB15-1138
TIME: 11:47:37 PM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1138 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 6-5.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
No
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




11:48 PM -- SB15-032

Representative Ransom, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 15-032. Current law prohibits both carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and carrying a weapon on school, college, or university grounds, with certain exceptions. This bill expands the exceptions to include any person who is at least 21 years old and who may legally possess a handgun under United States and Colorado law. Under Senate Bill 15-032, anyone who may legally possess a handgun and who carries a concealed handgun has the same rights and is subject to the same limitations as a person with a concealed handgun permit.


11:53 PM

Representative Ransom responded to questions from the committee.

11:58 PM --
Clifford Anderson, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Anderson spoke about his constitutional rights. He responded to questions from the committee.

12:03 AM --
Jacqui Shumway, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Shumway spoke about the concealed carry permit she was issued without showing proficiency with a firearm. She discussed the Colorado constitutional provision prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons. She listed a number of statistics. She responded to questions from the committee.

12:13 AM --
Tom Bjorklund, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and HB 15-1152.

12:18 AM --
Jean Grattet, representing the League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill and HB 15-1152.

12:22 AM --
Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Edmiston discussed the Colorado constitutional provision prohibiting the concealed carrying of firearms.

12:26 AM --
Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

12:30 AM --
Alana Smart, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in opposition to the bill and HB 15-1152.





















12:34 AM

Representative Ransom wrapped up her presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:SB15-032
TIME: 12:36:33 AM
MOVED:Neville P.
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-032 to the Committee on Finance. The motion failed on a vote of 4-7.
SECONDED:Humphrey
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
No
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


























BILL:SB15-032
TIME: 12:37:16 AM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone Senate Bill 15-032 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


12:37 AM -- HB15-1152

Representatives Nordberg and Van Winkle, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 15-1152. Current law prohibits both carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and carrying a weapon on school, college, or university grounds, with certain exceptions. This bill expands the exceptions to include any person who is at least 21 years old and who may legally possess a handgun under United States and Colorado law. Under House Bill 15-1152, anyone who may legally possess a handgun and who carries a concealed handgun has the same rights and is subject to the same limitations as a person with a concealed handgun permit.






















BILL:HB15-1152
TIME: 12:49:02 AM
MOVED:Neville P.
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1152 to the Committee on Finance. The motion failed on a vote of 4-7.
SECONDED:Willett
VOTE
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Lontine
No
Neville P.
Yes
Primavera
No
Tate
Yes
Thurlow
No
Tyler
No
Willett
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL































BILL:HB15-1152
TIME: 12:50:19 AM
MOVED:Salazar
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1152 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 7-4.
SECONDED:Foote
VOTE
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Lontine
Yes
Neville P.
No
Primavera
Yes
Tate
No
Thurlow
Yes
Tyler
Yes
Willett
No
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


12:50 AM

The committee adjourned.