H_JUD_2023A 04/19/2023 09:55:46 AM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Weissman, chair, provided some procedural rules for the day's hearing. Representative Epps, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1230, concerning prohibitions on certain firearms used in public mass shootings. Representative Epps explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. She also discussed her intent with the bill in terms of amendments. Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the bill. Representative Epps responded to questions regarding potential constitutional issues with the bill. Representative Epps responded to further questions regarding the stakeholding process on the bill, and restrictions on certain types of firearms in the bill.

Patrick Pethybridge, representing Students Demand Action, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Brigid Silva, representing MDA, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Adam Shore, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Samantha Stelloh, representing Students Demand Action, testified in support of HB 23-1230. Mr. Shore responded to questions regarding the impact of a ban on certain firearms in Australia. Discussion ensued regarding the AR-15 rifle. Discussion returned to Australia. Ms. McCann responded to questions regarding the potential for restricting muzzle velocity and fire rate for firearms.

Mr. Peter Gurfein, representing Colorado Chapter, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Carl Hamm, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Beth Smith, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Smith responded to questions regarding private militias and the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Gurfein responded to questions regarding the fire rate of certain firearms, and the types of firearms used in the bulk of shootings in the U.S. Mr. Gurfein responded to questions regarding the muzzle velocity of certain firearms.

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

Mr. Jake Veith, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Hannah Hill, representing National Foundation for Gun Rights, testified in opposition to the bill.

Austin Hein, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 23-1230. Mr. Veith responded to questions regarding comments he made during his testimony. Ms. Flanell responded to questions regarding a potential forthcoming amendment concern firearm bump stocks. Discussion ensued regarding which communities are impacted by mass shootings using the types of firearms covered by the bill.

Daniel Fenlason, representing Colorado State Shooting Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Owen Miller, representing American Suppressor Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jeff Hunt, representing Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Miller responded to questions regarding bump stocks.

Dr. Amy Beeson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Weissman addressed some audio issues.

Dr. Anne Frank, representing American Academy of Pediatrics Colorado Chapter, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Julia Goncalves, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Ellen Mahoney, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Joseph Pope, representing The Marigold Project, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of high-velocity firearms rounds. Ms. Goncalves recounted some of her testimony. Discussion followed regarding reducing shootings, and how many people die due to mass shootings.

Senator Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Tom Mauser, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Liddy Ballard, representing The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Ballard responded to questions regarding states with laws similar to HB 23-1230

Sheriff Lou Vallario, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Steven Reams, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sheriff Darren Weekly, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sheriff Todd Rowell, representing County Sheriff's of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sheriff Joe Roybal, representing El Paso County Sheriff's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of firearms lethality on the number of victims in mass shootings, and the position of sheriffs on red flag laws. Discussion followed regarding the use of law enforcement in schools, and the lethality of certain firearms.

Mx. Carynn Rudolph-Porter, representing Goliath Tactical Firearms Training, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Robert McGruder, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Aaron Gonzales, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mx. Rudolph-Porter responded to questions regarding the definition of "assault weapon."

Mr. Carold Carter, representing Be Well Youth Council, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mark Shusterman, representing The Marigold Project, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kathryn Ruud, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Robert Walters, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Olivia Carter, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Molly Siegel, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Walters responded to questions regarding what he will do if HB 23-1230 passes. Mr. Carter responded to questions regarding who is responsible for his safety.

Dr. Thomas Perille, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ian Coggins, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Marta Loachamin, representing Boulder County, testified in support of the bill.

Jodi Frangiamore, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Ray Elliott, representing Colorado State Shooting Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Paul Cherry, representing Ark Tactical, testified in opposition to the bill.

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.

Commissioner Christopher Richardson, representing Elbert County Government, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Orf responded to questions regarding the nature of human rights. Commissioner Richardson responded to questions regarding bump stocks and forthcoming amendments. Mr. Orf responded to questions regarding the potential impact of HB 23-1230 on public safety.

Mr. Alec Henkelman, representing High Country Armory, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Travis Couture-Lovelady, representing the NRA, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Robin Heid MA, representing Eagle Dancer Images, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sarah Wu, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Jane Dougherty, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mx. August Caudill, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Kate Davis, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Davis responded to questions regarding conversations about school safety.

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

Dr. Lila Kimel, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

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

Mr. Erik Stone, representing Teller County, testified in opposition to the bill.

Lesley Hollywood, representing Rally for our Rights, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Dr. Justin Savoy, representing Libertarian Party of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding what types of firearms cause the most harm, and the definitions of certain types of firearms.

Mr. Thadeus Krehbiel, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Aaron Lewis, representing The Leadville Armory LLC, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms Norah Krause, representing Students Demand Action, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Meneka Hecox, representing East Students Demand Action, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Sara Peters, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Nicole Levine, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Grant Cramer, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Todd Watkins, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. William Canciglia, representing himself, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Mr. Michael Wilkey, representing Caveman LLC, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. Edward Schoenheit, representing himself, testified to amend the bill.

Laura Neimeister, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Laura Thompson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding certain definitions in HB 23-1230.

Justin Green, representing SDS Guns, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mark Andrews, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Adam Dill, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Tanya regan, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Lewis Tollefson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Michael Ryan, representing himself, testified to amend the bill.



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



Mayor Aron Lam, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.



Mr. Lam responded to questions from the committee.

Rebekah Venturella, representing Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jeanne Bucci, representing Moms Demand Action, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sarah Michaud, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Korrine Semullins, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Megan Dinnebeil, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Me. Alex Fanning, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mitchell Miller, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Joshua Spencer, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Daniel Hebard, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr Kaztan DuBuke, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Spencer responded to questions regarding security. Mr. Miller responded to questions regarding the intersection of poverty and firearms deaths.

Mr. Derrick Richard, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Brandon Short, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Derrick Houska, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. David Bely, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Mr. Matthew Munro, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

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

Ms. Maisha Fields, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Parker responded to questions regarding the impact of not passing HB 23-1230, and banning assault weapons at the state level as opposed to the federal level.

Ms. Amber Brown, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Jessica Fenske, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Dennis Murphree, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Joseph Johnson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Garfield Martinez, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Jonathan Wilson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hunter Platt, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Martinez responded to questions regarding whether the passage of HB 23-1230 would increase his feeling of safety. Discussion ensued regarding who among the panel had police officers in their schools as a child.

Mr Harley Long, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Richard Mack, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Joshua Moore, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Laura Wyscaver, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jacob Watson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding whether the bill would make schools more safe. Mr. William Zuzelski, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Aimee Wallace, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kelly Murphy, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Cindy Dominguez, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Melissa Colonna, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Brandy Wilson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding what prompted the panel members to get involved with the legislative process. Mrs. Wallace responded to questions regarding laws that seek to decrease the rate of fire for firearms.

Mr. Mark Ippolito, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mike Pope, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Tanner Coors, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Curtis Fox, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Timothy Johnson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witness panel responded to questions from committee members.

Mr. Stephen Willeford, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kevin Syracuse, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. John Seville, representing Colorado State Shooting Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr Adrian Banuelos, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Christopher Taylor, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Brendan Bialy, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witness panel responded to questions from committee members.

Mr. Nathan Hochhalter, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Paige Leonard, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Claire Lucas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Elizabeth Olson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Michael McGuire, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Olson responded to questions regarding treatment for trauma, and the ability of psychologically unstable individuals to access rapid-fire firearms. Mr. McGuire responded to questions regarding the definition of mass shooting.

Mr. George Kalb, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Ashlene Murphree, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kalb responded to questions regarding what tools are available to increase the fire rate of firearms. Damir Kahrimanovic, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Wyatt Davenport, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Boyd Lilly, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Frank Cotten, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Brian Catalucci, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Gene Diekmann, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Bennett Rutledge, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Nathaniel Howard, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the ability of shooters to avoid safety measures at schools, and the justification for prohibiting certain dangerous items. Discussion followed regarding the potential impact of HB 23-1230 on public safety.

Mr. George Hamilton, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Trent Dodgwo, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Gary Hartman, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Frank Savoy, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Alex Weese, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Julie Ort, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Emily Sooyat, representing herself, testified in support of HB 23-1230.

Mrs. Erica Crosby, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Jeannie Evans, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Giselle Rahm, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the 2022 election in Colorado. Ms. Rahm responded to questions regarding the use of assault rifles in mass shootings. Discussion followed regarding the available of repeating weapons in colonial times. Mrs. Ort responded to questions regarding the incident in which she was injured by gunfire.

Ms. Laura Hall, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Brian Armstrong, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Nathan Reep, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Mario Acevedo, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rob Friedl, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Reep responded to questions regarding the views of certain historical figures on individual firearms ownership. Mr. Friedl responded to questions regarding the element of fear in the debate over gun laws.

Mr. Jeffrey Ballenski, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrew Hitt, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Vern Sutcliffe, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Joshua Kitchen, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Chris Crider, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ann Harris, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Carrie Farberow, representing herself, testified in support of HB 23-1230. Christa Palmer, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Philip Clarke, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Christopher Olson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Cory Huddleston, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Mark Chilson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Huddleston responded to questions regarding gun violence in California.

John Morrison, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Phillip Farias, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Doug Stewart, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jeremiah Bagula, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Owen Clyncke, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Jenna Victoria, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Leann Sicknick, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Jessica Lybeck, representing herself, testified in support of HB 23-1230. Peggy Darrah, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Katherine Clifford, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Don Darling, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Charles Hennessey IV, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Prof. David Kopel, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Tim Holt, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jeff Conklin, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 23-1230. Professor Kopel responded to questions regarding the constitutionality of the bill, and what constitutes a bump stock or trigger activator.

Mr Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Eddie Graham, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Bazzel Baz, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Lynda Zamora-Wilson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Baz responded to questions regarding potential civil unrest, and how to address cartel violence.

Mr. Ross Klopf, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Todd Garcia, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Justin Schreiber, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 23-1230. A man testified in opposition to the bill.  Another man testified in opposition to the bill.  He responded to questions regarding dictatorial rule in his home country.

Mary McGaggin, representing herself, testified in opposition to HB 23-1230. Elliot Schreiber, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Catherine Pinney, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Mary Beth Blauser, representing herself, testified in suppor to of the bill. Ms. McGaggin responded to questions regarding her preferred carry firearm. Mr. Schreiber responded to questions regarding where he is from, and the grandfather clause in the bill.

Ben Choate, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 23-1230.  Bealle, against. Dave Lilly, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Bryan Chester, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Chris Lumazar, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Christy Fidura, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Priscilla Rahn, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Colin Hornback, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Elias Bouwari, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Evan Todd, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The committee recessed.

Mr. Todd recounted his testimony, due to audio difficulties.

Mr Gregg McGough, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Hope Scheppelman, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. James Lutter, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jacob Harold, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Scheppelman responded to questions regarding trauma experienced by military service members.

Mr. Ryan Staude, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Samuel Alexander, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Scott Carlisle, representing himself, was available to answer committee questions. Mr. Shawn Herrin, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Skyler Tritschler, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Alison Demzon, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Barbara Miller, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Andrew Lucas, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Amber Strickler, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Katie Miller, representing herself, testified in support of HB 23-1230.

Ms. Tiffany Taylor, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Troy Hutchison, representing himself, was available to answer committee questions. Mr. Tanner Morrison, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Troy Gustin, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Joan Poston, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. John Gimple, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kenneth Miller, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Ladonna Robertson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Tim Bessler, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Zachary Burgeson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Robin Webb, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Rodney Smith, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Marla Reichert, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Richard Weber, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs Marla Benavides, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.  Committee members received written testimony (Attachment A).

Representative Epps explained the effect of amendment L.018 (Attachment B). Representative Epps responded to questions regarding the effect of the amendment, what constitutes a bump stock, and how a bump stock operates. Discussion ensued regarding shootings involving bump stocks. Representative Epps responded to questions regarding her intent in bringing the amendment forward.

Discussion ensued regarding litigation surrounding rapid-fire trigger activators.

Representative Garcia explained the effect of amendment L.021 (Attachment C). Representative Epps responded to questions regarding the use of bump stocks in mass shootings, and the title of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the title of the bill as amended by amendment L.021, and what constitutes a firearm for the purposes of the amendment. Discussion followed regarding jurisprudence with regard to bump stocks.

Representative Epps provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1230. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

The committee took up Senate Bill 23-022, concerning adding aggravated motor vehicle theft to the list of convictions that apply to the offense of possession of weapons by previous offenders.  The committee heard the bill and laid it over at its April 18 meeting.  Representative Evans withdrew his motion to adopt amendment L.002 (Attachment D) to SB 23-022, and Representative Woodrow withdrew the second.