February 18, 2013 03:15 PM UTC

Four Democratic Gun Safety Bills Win Final House Passage

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• by: Colorado Pols

In a press release from Colorado House Democrats a short while ago:

HB13-1229, closing the loophole on background checks for firearms purchasers, passed 36-29. HB13-1228, ending the taxpayer subsidy for gun buyers’ background checks, passed 33-32. HB13-1224, limiting the sale, purchase or transfer of firearms magazines that can hold more than 15 bullets or eight shotgun shells, passed the House 34-31. HB13-1226, prohibiting concealed carry in buildings on Colorado’s public colleges and universities, passed 34-31. 

The package now moves to the state Senate. Not a single House Republican voted for any of the bills, which surveys show are supported by solid majorities of Colorado voters. [Pols emphasis]

“We can no longer walk around in our society with these blinders on as if nothing is happening,” Rep. Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) told the House. Rep. Fields lost a son to gun violence and her district includes the Aurora theater where 12 were killed and 58 injured last July. 

“Responsible folks who own guns, they support what I’m doing,” said Rep. Fields, who sponsored the magazines bill and cosponsored the background checks bill with Rep. Beth McCann (D-Denver). “I have support from law enforcement. But most importantly I have the support of the families that have been impacted by gun violence.” 

“This is commonsense legislation that will take guns out of the hands of felons and will increase public safety,” said Speaker Mark Ferrandino. 

We'll update with coverage and opposing statements as they come in. Passage of these bills in the House was considered the more politically difficult hurdle of the two chambers, and the two most "controversial" of these bills, closing the so-called background check loophole and restricting magazine capacity to 15 rounds, have already been given the go-ahead from Gov. John Hickenlooper.