Colorado 'Red Flag' Gun Bill Passes First Hearing

Florida passed its own “red flag” law after the February 2017 Parkland school massacre, and 12 other states have done so. Colorado Republicans defeated a similar bill last year, insisting it infringed on citizens’ Second Amendment rights. But Democrats won both statehouse chambers in November, and Democratic Gov. Jared Polis called for a “red flag” law while campaigning last year.

The House Judiciary Committee voted 7-4 along party lines late Thursday to send this year’s bill to the chamber’s appropriations committee. The vote came after more than eight hours of testimony for and against the bill.

The legislation would allow family or law enforcement to seek a court order to have guns seized if they believe the owner is a threat. If approved, a subsequent court hearing would be held to determine whether to extend the seizure, up to 364 days.

The bill also would leave it up to the person whose guns were seized to prove at any point that he or she no longer poses a risk. That person would be entitled to legal counsel.