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Gun Control Package Gets Initial 'OK' From House

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Feb 17, 2013 at 5:57 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 17, 2013 at 6:44 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Colorado Democrats have given the initial 'OK' to four gun-control bills in the House that started a hot debate and even drew the attention of Vice President Joe Biden, who called four lawmakers, to talk about the debate.

"I agree with Governor Hickenlooper just a little over a year ago when he said that no amount of gun control that we would pass is going to stop the next massacre," said Jared Wright, (R) House District 54.

But other Colorado Democrats disagree, and have created a gun-control package including four different bills. One of which would limit high-capacity ammunition magazines to 15 rounds (HB 1224).

"We had a gentlemen testify on one of these bills, who's life was saved because of the fact that he had a gun with enough rounds in that gun to protect himself from multiple intruders in his home," said Wright.

Another bill that got the initial 'OK' in the House would ban concealed weapons on College Campuses (HB 1226).

"I think that is acceptable because it is a campus, it is a school. Guns shouldn't be in a school whether it's a campus or not. I think that this is a safe campus and it isn't necessary," said Jordyn Roles, Freshman at Colorado Mesa University.

The last two bills would require all firearms bought or transferred to have background checks which the individual would be responsible to pay for (HB 1228, 1229).

"To me, that is wrong. The Second Amendment is a Constitutional right and we don't charge you to practice your First Amendment rights, so in my mind, this is the same as a poll tax," said Wright.

Proponents for the bill say it would reduce the burden on taxpayers from paying for background checks.

"I'm for guns only when they're in the hands of the right people, if it's for hunting, or police officers," said Roles.

"If I believed for a moment, as a former police officer especially, if I believed for a moment that this would save one child's life, one innocent persons life, I would vote for it, but I don't. The reason is, people who are set out to do wrong, are always going to find a way," said Wright.

According to the Denver Post, Magpul, which is Colorado's largest and most profitable manufacturer of high-capacity ammunition magazines, has vowed to leave the state if these bills are passed.

The Denver Post reports Magpul says they expect to spend around $85 million in Colorado alone, and have about 600 employees.

The final vote for the House is set to happen on Monday.

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Gun Owner said on Monday, Feb 18 at 4:51 PM

The laws our state just pass would not of stop the three gun crimes that happen in Grand Jct, Co this week end.There where 3 crimes that happen with a gun. This bill would not of stop these 3 crimes with gun. So come on if your going to pass a gun law lets look at the criminal not the good guy. our state money at work for you the people. Bull!

Anonymous said on Monday, Feb 18 at 1:36 PM

Jared Wright is wrong much more often than he's right. Where did this kid go to school, Mississippi?

Suggestion said on Monday, Feb 18 at 9:51 AM

What if the citizens of the state and country simply choose to emulate BO and his buddies and only follow the laws we choose to? It's well past time that these clowns a reminded who the bosses really are.

Floyd said on Monday, Feb 18 at 8:04 AM

The democrats are working to take away the second amendment so they can take away the first amendment, Pz. Democrats won't understand anything their political representatives do until they finally take away the freebies, then, they will pay attention. The soviet union was a democrat utopia, it was a Republican who put them out of business.

Pz said on Monday, Feb 18 at 7:27 AM

Uhh, Jared Wright. The First Amendment has nothing to do with voting, so it is not like a 'poll' tax. Good lord, Mesa County really will elect anyone with an 'R' after their name...

elroy said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 10:57 PM

It is time we unarm government and overthrow the idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a waste said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 8:14 PM

Jobs lost, $Millions going to other states just so some idiots can "make statements" with worthless laws. None of these laws will do any good. NOT ONE OF THEM. They are all eyewash for the emotionally enhanced. They are either unconstitutional or unenforceable and all are stupid. Instead of requiring efficiency from CBI the Democrats are inventing a new tax. How "Progressive". The magazine thing is unworkable and unenforceable and will result in job & revenue loss. Why should colleges be "killing fields"? And why should you have to get a background check to sell a gun to a guy you've known for your whole life? This is all dumb. In addition, it will hamper Colorado law enforcement. Gun manufacturers and distributors are now implementing a new policy: they only sell to law enforcement what is legal for the citizens to own! No 30 round magazines for your SWAT teams. Thank a Democrat.

Fugg said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 8:12 PM

Nothing in the proposed bill will have any effect on criminals obtaining or carrying guns. Only the law abiding citizens will lose their ability to protect themselves against criminals and a tyrannical goverment.

Disgusted said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 7:50 PM

Wow, elections have consequences. How about that?

Jules said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 7:21 PM

Also , Citizens of Colorado Good Luck and God Bless best wishes from Pennsylvania

Jules said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 7:18 PM

Magpul isnt being a spoiled kid , theyre standing up for my and your rights to protect ourselves from the same danger the exempted police officers are facing. what they are saying is , if your going to play unfair then im going to take my ball and go play with people who respect the rules

DC said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 7:16 PM

Everything the democrats doe is in increments. This is just the first phase of gun grabbing laws that will unarm the American citizen ad make us powerless to defend ourselves against tyrants. Welcome to communism folks.

MLJ said on Sunday, Feb 17 at 7:03 PM

I believe, we the people of the state of Colorado should not be influenced by the way a business feels we should act. If they want to be here, they will be. They have no right to tell us how to act. They are acting like a spoiled kid, I am going to take my ball and go home if you don't do it may way. Time to grow up Magpul.

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