3DED19481BAF5FE88725868F0015EF96 Hearing Summary

Senator Jaquez Lewis, co-prime sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-078, concerning the responsibility of an individual firearm owner to report a missing firearm.  She discussed stolen guns and gun violence. 

Committee discussion followed about the impact of the bill and the $25 associated fine if a person fails to report a lost or stolen gun.

Senator Danielson, co-prime sponsor, discussed firearm theft and building awareness about the scope of the problem. 

Committee members asked questions about serial numbers and other identifying information. 

Senator Jaquez Lewis read a statement of support into the record from Boulder Police Chief Maris Harold. 

Allison Anderman, representing Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.  She noted that reporting lost or stolen guns is not a Second Amendment issue. 

Beth McCann, District Attorney of the city and county of Denver, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed how stolen guns are more likely to remain in circulation if not reported. 

Carl Hamm, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill. He explained that most stolen guns go unreported.

Peter Fogg, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to Prevent Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill. He discussed juvenile crime and stolen guns.

Emily Engelhaupt, representing Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, testified in support of the bill. She noted the benefits of reporting lost or stolen guns.

Ms. Ana Thallas, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She relayed how her daughter was murdered with a stolen gun.

Everett Volk, representing Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Parker, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed how stolen and lost guns should be a nonpartisan concern.

Committee discussion followed about more stringent penalties for individuals who commit crimes with lost or stolen guns. 

Lillian Veits, representing March for our Lives/ Gun Violence Prevention, testified in support of the bill.

Lesley Hollywood, representing Rally for our Rights, testified in opposition to the bill. She raised issues about firearm recovery. 

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

Mario Acevedo, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Frances Stroud, representing March For Our Lives Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Dave Kopel, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Michael Stapleton, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Senator Lee acknowledged submitted written testimony (Attachment I).

The mother of Ana Thallis, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion followed about the bill's application. 

Senator Jaquez Lewis made closing comments. 

Senator Danielson made a closing statement.

Committee members stated reasons in support of or opposition to the bill.