52DF94B989347D8487258C350067A6C8 Hearing Summary

The committee was
called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Duran and Armagost,
prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1062, concerning the penalty for
theft of firearms. Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill
and discussed its need. Representative Armagost provided further input
on the merits of the legislation.



Discussion ensued
regarding the crime levels for the crimes created by the bill, and the
effect of laws similar to HB 25-1062 on crime reduction. Discussion followed
regarding diversion from the criminal justice system under the bill, and
potential loopholes under the bill. Representative Duran responded to questions
regarding statistics she cited during opening comments. Representative
Armagost responded to questions regarding penalties for firearms theft
under current law. Discussion returned to data surrounding firearms theft.
Discussion turned to trends in crime rates.

Mr. Michael Dougherty,
representing District Attorney's Office, 20th Judicial District and Colorado
District Attorneys Council, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Travis
Sides, representing District Attorney, 13th Judicial District, testified
in support of the bill. John Walsh, representing 2nd Judicial District
Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Gordon McLaughlin,
representing Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified in support
of the bill.



Discussion ensued
regarding criminal diversion practices for young offenders under HB 25-1062,
and how sentencing is determined for firearms theft under current law.
Discussion followed regarding additional questions raised during earlier
deliberations, and what happens to a weapon when it is seized in a criminal
case. Discussion turned to data surrounding firearms theft.

Chief-Adam Turk,
representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Greeley Police
Department, testified in support of the bill. Ian Escalante, representing
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in a neutral position on the bill.
Mr. Greg White, representing El Paso County Sheriff's Office, testified
in support of the bill. Todd Rowell, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado,
testified in support of the bill. Deputy Chief Jensen, representing Colorado
Association Chiefs of Police - Colorado Springs Police Department, testified
in support of the bill.



Discussion ensued
regarding data surrounding trends in crime, and the ways in which law enforcement
prioritizes criminal investigations. Discussion followed regarding the
felonization of behavior as a deterrent.

Ms. Eileen McCarron,
representing Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action, testified in support
of the bill. Mr. Major-Mark Mason, representing CDPS/Colorado State Patrol,
testified in support of the bill. Roshan Kalantar, representing Violence
Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ted Collins, representing
CFFLA and Spartan Defense Armory, testified in support of the bill.



Discussion ensued
regarding crime trends in the Denver area, and access to firearms by youth.
Mr. Collins responded to questions regarding a theft at his business. Major
Mason responded to questions regarding how laws may empower law enforcement
to keep certain individuals off the street, and crime deterrence.

Representatives Armagost and Duran provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1062. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.