March 16, 2023
Boulder County Commissioners Welcome Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
State Representatives Work to Pass Legislation to Protect Our Community
Boulder County, Colo. -- The Boulder County Commissioners have expressed their support for efforts by the Colorado General Assembly to pass legislation to introduce restrictions on the purchase of firearms by individuals age 18 to 21, increase Extreme Risk Protection Orders to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a risk to themselves or others, and establish a waiting period for the purchase of firearms.
“The Boulder County Board of Commissioners welcomes the work by the General Assembly to protect our community from gun violence,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “Last June, we took action by passing local gun violence prevention ordinances, and we believe that action is needed at local, state, and federal levels to fully address the public health crisis of tens of thousands of gun deaths each year.”
“Suicides account for more than half of the gun deaths in the United States,” said Commissioner Claire Levy. “Last year, Boulder County introduced waiting periods for the purchase of firearms to help guard against impulsive acts of violence and firearm suicides, and we welcome this legislation at the state level.”
“State legislators from across the county are working hard to protect our residents from gun violence,” said Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. “The legislation being considered by Colorado’s legislature is an important step, which the Boulder County Commissioners support.”
On behalf of the county, Commissioners Levy and Loachamin shared testimony in support of the legislation earlier in March. As reiterated in the 2023 Legislative Agenda, Boulder County supports policies to prevent gun violence and death in Colorado as part of a commitment to protect and enhance the health of the public.
Show Your Support
State representatives from across Boulder County are working to get these laws passed. Community members can contact their state representatives through the Colorado General Assembly ‘Find my legislator’ website to express support for the proposed laws.
The following three pieces of gun violence prevention legislation are making their way through the Colorado General Assembly, which creates Colorado’s laws:
SB23-169 Increasing Minimum Age To Purchase Firearms – Sponsors include Senator Stephen Fenberg
Commissioner Levy shared testimony in support of SB23-169.
SB23-170 Extreme Risk Protection Order Petitions – Sponsors include Senator Stephen Fenberg, Representative Junie Joseph, and Representative Jennifer Parenti
Commissioner Loachamin shared testimony in support of SB23-170.
HB23-1219 Waiting Period To Deliver A Firearm – Sponsors include Representative Judy Amabile
If you've been affected by the mention of suicide in this statement, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or visit the website for details on webchat.
