Governor Pledges To Sign 'Red Flag Bill'
DENVER (CBS4) - The controversial, so-called "Red Flag Bill" is one step closer to becoming law in Colorado. The House approved the bill with Senate amendments.
Gov. Jared Polis pledged to signed the measure.
It would allows guns to be taken from people who could pose a threat to themselves or others.
Relatives or officers would have to petition a court to have the guns removed, which could be extended for up to 364 days.
The gun owner would then have to prove he or she no longer poses a risk in order to get the firearms back.
In a statement, House Majority Leader Alec Garnett praised the bill's movement forward:
"This bill is supported by the majority of Coloradans because it will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities."
Some government and law enforcement leaders from across the state say they either are against it or won't enforce it.
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams spoke to CNN Monday morning.
"In my mind going in and having a confrontation with someone to take their firearms, but not deal with the person just creates a bigger issue," he said. "I would rather risk violating a court order than violating someone's constitutional rights."
RELATED: Weld County Now A Second Amendment Sanctuary County, Officials Say
The bill was introduced after Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Zack Parrish was killed on New Year's Eve in 2018. He was trying to take a man in for a mental health hold.
Colorado would become the fifteenth state with a "Red Flag Law."