D898DCD11199EB9D872586CC007EA2D9 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Amabile and Woodrow, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1298, concerning the conditions under which a firearm transfer may be prohibited following a background check, and, in connection therewith, requiring approval of a firearm transfer prior to a transfer by a licensed dealer, establishing grounds for denying a transfer, and clarifying the process to appeal a denied transfer. Representative Amabile explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Woodrow provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Garen Wintemute, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1298.

Joel Loomis, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Sam Weaver, representing the City of Boulder, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Wintemute responded to questions regarding statistics surrounding those who perpetrate gun violence and who have previous violent misdemeanor convictions.

Nephi Cole, representing the National Shooting Sports Foundation, testified in opposition to HB 21-1298.

Taylor Rhodes, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dan Neilson, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Rhodes responded to questions regarding the positions of his organization, and statistics he cited on the denial of a firearms transfer based upon a background check. Discussion ensued regarding elements of harassment that may not include violent acts. Mr. Rhodes responded to questions regarding the background check process for the person who perpetrated a mass shooting in Boulder. Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding the length of time for which a background check remains viable, and the process by which federal firearms licensees conduct background checks. Mr. Cole responded to further questions regarding the number of firearms sold annually. Mr. Neilson responded to questions regarding violent crime. Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding background checks for purchasing supressors.

Maisha Fields, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1298. Claire Levy, representing Boulder County, testified in support of the bill. Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a graph plotting effective ways to reduce mass shootings (Attachment F). Vincent Atchity, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Jafar Partowmah, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 21-1298.

Lesley Hollywood, representing Rally for our Rights, testified on the bill from an "amend" position.

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

Peter Fogg, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in support of HB 21-1298.

Amelia Lobo, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Maria Ogneva, representing Moms Demand Action, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lobo responded to questions regarding the connection between domestic violence and then gun violence at a later time.

Keith Emerson, representing himself, testified on HB 21-1298 from an "amend" position.

Ronald Dietz, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Robert Edmiston, representing the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Peter Gurfein, representing Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, testified in support of HB 21-1298.

Jacqui Shumway, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Carl Hamm, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill.

Leslie OBrien, representing Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, testified in support of HB 21-1298.

Lydia Linked, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Sylvia Bernstein, representing the League of Women Voters of Boulder County, testified in support of the bill.

Sara Grossman, representing Everytown for Gun Safety, testified in support of HB 21-1298.

Rionda Osman, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in support of the bill.

Val Beck, representing Brady United Against Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.

Mary-Elizabeth Calloway, representing Moms Demand Action, testified in support of the bill.

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

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1298. Representatives Amabile and Woodrow provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.