65A265655E19C53A8725897B00055DA4 Hearing Summary

Representatives Mabrey and Parenti, Prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-168, concerning gun violence victims' access to the judicial system. Representative Mabrey explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Sandy Phillips, representing Giffords, testified in support of the bill.

Lonnie Phillips, representing Giffords, testified in support of the bill.

Vic Bencomo, representing Giffords, testified in support of the bill.

Lucy Sarkissian, representing Giffords, testified in support of the bill. Mr. and Ms. Phillips responded to questions regarding the lawsuit that they launched against a firearms dealer, and efforts to pass laws similar to SB 23-168.

Amanda Wilcox, representing Brady Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Mary Parker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Jane Dougherty, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Nephi Cole, representing National Shooting Sports Foundation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. John Clark, representing National Shooting Sports Foundation & FFL Consultants, testified on the bill from an "amend" position.

Allen Kerby, representing Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Tom Spezze, representing National Wild Turkey Federation, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Clark responded to questions regarding why federal firearms dealers would be against SB 23-168, and the potential impact of the bill on his business. Mr. Clark responded to further questions regarding potential legal exposure for law-abiding dealers as a result of the bill, Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding the bankruptcy of a firearms manufacturer. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between regulated and unregulated gun-related products.

Richard Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Todd Rathner, representing The Firearms Policy Coalition , testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Craig Williams, representing KTM ARMS LLC, testified in opposition to the bill.

Taylor Rhodes, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Rathner responded to questions regarding a hypothetical situation involving automobile manufacturers, and devices that might be subject to liability under SB 23-168. Mr. Williams responded to questions regarding controls in place preventing firearms dealers from engaging in unethical practices, and the difference between rural and urban firearms death rates. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of "firearms component" in the bill.

Tom Mauser, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Alexander Cisneros, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kathryn Ruud, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ari Freilich, representing Giffords Law Center, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Freilich responded to questions regarding legal actions allowed pertaining to firearms in state law due to federal law.

Andrew Lucas, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Alicia Garcia, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Laura Thompson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Mark Tisdale, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Seth Stern, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Colin Hornback, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr James Murphree, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Hope Scheppelman, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Daniel Fenlason, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Derrick Houska, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mark Rice, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Ms. Kelly Murphy, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Stephanie Greenberg, representing Colorado Faith Communities to End Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Ava Flanell, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Mabrey explained the effect of amendment L.022 (Attachment C).

Representative Soper explained the effect of amendment L.029 (Attachment D). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment.

Representatives Parenti and Mabrey provided closing remarks in support of SB 23-168. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.  Written testimony submitted by the public concerning the bills considered during the March 22 hearing may be accessed at Attachment E.