H_JUD_2024A 03/13/2024 01:38:11 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Mabrey and Garcia, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-119, concerning classifying the death of a parent as abandonment in determinations of vulnerable youth. Representative Mabrey explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Ashley Harrington, representing Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Chase, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to SB 24-119. Representatives Garcia and Mabrey provided closing remarks in support of the bill.

Representatives Velasco and Garcia, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1348, concerning a requirement to securely store a firearm in a vehicle. Representative Velasco explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Garcia provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Representative Garcia responded to questions regarding enforcement of the bill's infractions, and the potential for the bill to deter firearms thefts. Representative Garcia responded to questions regarding the second amendment to the United States Constitution. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for the bill to restrict access to firearms by children.  Public comment on HB 24-1348 may be found at Attachment A.

Ms. Beth McCann, representing Denver District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.

Quinn Scalan, representing the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified in support of HB 24-1348.

Ms. Kathryn Ruud, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

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

Ms. Liddy Ballard, representing The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Maya Haasz, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

D.A. McCann responded to questions regarding the deterrent effect of the bill, and reasons why someone might leave a firearm in a car. Dr. Haasz responded to questions regarding some statistics she cited. D.A. McCann responded to questions regarding some statistics she cited, firearms stolen from the Capitol grounds, and firearms stolen from gun shows.

Mr. Ian Escalante, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in opposition to the bill.

Keith Emerson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

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

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

Ms. Tiffany Taylor, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Weissman discussed safe firearm storage laws. Mr. Orf responded to questions regarding storage of firearms in glove compartments. Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding his interpretation of a provision in HB 24-1348, and safe storage of long guns. Mr. Escalante responded to questions regarding the effectiveness of lock boxes for storing firearms, and firearms theft in other states.

Ms. Pat Rottschaefer, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Claire Lucas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Beverly Bunker, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kathy Hagen, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding reduction of victims through secure storage of firearms.

Bennet Rutledge, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 24-1348.

Dr. Catherine Winchester, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Mr. Aaron Lewis, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Andrea Nagy, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Huey Laugesen, representing Colorado State Shooting Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Discussion ensued regarding firearms industry recommendations for safe storage of firearms in vehicles, and the impact of immigration on crime rates. Discussion followed regarding personal safety issues associated with HB 24-1348.

Melanie Coniff, representing herself, testified in support of HB 24-1348.

Dawn Watson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

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

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

Elizabeth Smith, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for HB 24-1348 to be a crime prevention tool, and violent attacks on those exiting vehicles. Ms. Murphy responded to questions regarding what aspect of the bill might act as a firearm theft deterrent.

Mr. David Williams, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Carol Riggenbach, representing Colorado Citizens of House District 62, testified in opposition to the bill.

Scott Shamblin, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Hope Scheppelman, representing Colorado GOP, testified in opposition to the bill.

Seth Stern, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Representative Velasco explained the effect of amendment L.009 (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding how the amendment operates. Conrad Imel, Office of Legislative Legal Services, provided input on the effect of the amendment.

Representative Garcia explained the effect of amendment L.011 (Attachment C).

Representatives Velasco and Garcia provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1348. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.