20D542D30D27673787258AFB0071D7F9 Hearing Summary

Representatives Duran and Froelich, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-003, concerning the authority of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Froelich provided additional input on the bill. Representative Froelich responded to questions regarding the position of certain stakeholders on the bill, and the potential for the bill to help reduce gun violence.  Public comment on SB 24-003 may be found at Attachment B.

Mr. Chris Schaefer, representing Colorado Bureau of Investigation , testified in support of the bill.

Jaime FitzSimons, representing County Sheriff's, testified in support of the bill.

Tyler Brown, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Nephi Cole, representing National Shooting Sports Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding how the Colorado Bureau of Investigation will administer the bill's provisions, and jurisdiction for conducting investigations under the bill. Discussion followed regarding the scope of the bill, and the amount of work created by the bill for the bureau. Discussion turned to the ability of SB 24-003 to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Discussion returned to jurisdictional issues, and what constitutes an investigation under the bill. Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding illegal acquisition of firearms.

Ms. Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Michael Allen, representing District Attorney, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Ian Escalante, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in opposition to the bill.

Huey Laugesen, representing Colorado State Shooting Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Alexis King, representing District Attorney for the 1st Judicial District, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Brett Kahn, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding prosecution of individuals for firearms-related offenses, and how such arrests are conducted. Discussion followed regarding concerns surrounding transparency, and the fiscal impact of the bill. Mr. Escalante responded to questions regarding better ways to prevent violent crime than SB 24-003, and potential conflicts with other legislation.

TOM MAUSER, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kathryn Ruud, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Pat Rottschaefer, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Christie Burton, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for SB 24-003 to increase the number of people arrested on felony charges.

Mr. Andrew Lucas, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Travis Sides, representing District Attorney, 13th Judicial District, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Tyler Peters, representing Patriot Rebellion, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Alicia Garcia, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Scott Shamblin, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Garcia responded to questions regarding the effect of the bill on those who are legally eligible to acquire firearms.

Joel Malecka, representing the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and Dan Volz, representing the Department of Public Safety, made themselves available to answer questions. Mr. Volz responded to questions regarding backlogs for certain background checks conducted by the bureau, and the qualifications of those who will be hired under the bill. He answered further questions regarding the investigations to be conducted under the bill. Mr. Volz responded to questions about the bill's appropriation and fiscal note. Mr. Malecka provided input on these issues.

Representative Duran L.011 (Attachment C). Representative Soper introduced amendment  L.012 (Attachment D) as a substitute amendment to L.011.  Representative Bacon discussed amendment L.013 (Attachment E).

Representatives Froelich and Duran provided closing remarks in support of SB 24-003. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.