Colorado House passes waiting period bill for gun purchases; moves to State Senate

Colorado's Democratic-majority State House passed a bill that would require a waiting period of at least three days between the time a gun is purchased and the time it could be taken home.

The bill was passed with almost every Democrat voting in favor, aside from State Reps. Bob Marshall and Säid Sharbini. The bill was sponsored by State Reps. Meg Froelich and Judy Amabile. The final vote was 44-20.

Democrats say waiting periods provide time for people to "cool down" so they don't buy a gun in the heat of anger, extreme depression or other high emotions. The ability to go into a store and walk out with a gun the same day, supporters of waiting periods say, increases the likeliness of a gun-related homicide or suicide.

"A three-day waiting period requirement for the purchase of a firearm is commonsense, evidence-based policy supported by 72% of Coloradans," Froelich said in a statement. "We're here to deliver on our promise to pass legislation that protects more Coloradans from becoming victims of senseless gun violence."

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"I've seen firsthand how a 'cooling off' period is crucial in saving a life from preventable gun death," Amabile said. "Research shows that this gun violence prevention policy is effective in reducing gun deaths from both suicide and homicide. Our bill is one step of many that Colorado Democrats are taking to improve public safety and make significant progress in reducing gun violence in our communities."

Republicans and some gun businesses have decried the bill, characterizing it as government overreach and bad for gun businesses.

"Colorado gun owners are not second-class citizens and the second amendment is not a second-class right and we will stand to defend it," Republican State Rep. Richard Holtorf said on the House floor. "I will stand and defend our constitutional rights for my constituents and the entire state of Colorado until the end."

Republican State Rep. Matt Soper said he didn't know why the amendments House Republicans tried to add to the bill were shot down by Democrats:

The bill will now move on to the State Senate, where -- if passed -- it will then go to Gov. Jared Polis' desk to approve or veto.