Colorado Makes Monumental Progress In Gun Violence Prevention During The 2024 Legislative Session; Here’s What You Need To Know:

DENVER — This week, the Colorado legislature adjourned  the 2024 legislative session. The Colorado chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statements summarizing the laws passed during the 2024 legislative session. During the 2024 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers passed six gun safety bills, including in the last hours of the session passing a critical gun safety bill instituting a state dealer permitting system.

“Too many families across Colorado continue to deal with the toll of gun violence, and this session, Colorado lawmakers made it clear they are focused on protecting our communities, including passing bills to fight gun crimes, promote secure gun storage, and create a safer gun culture for the state,” said Kelly Murphy, a volunteer with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action. “HB24-1352 is a huge victory for the gun safety movement. It will put safeguards at the beginning process of obtaining firearms, which could have a huge effect in stemming the flow of gun crimes, which bear responsibility for much of the gun violence in the state. Additionally, HB24-1174 will create stronger training for concealed handgun permit holders in the state. The 2024 legislative session was a victory for gun safety, and we look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to keep making our state safer.” 

“Gun violence is the leading cause of death for my generation, and we want to make it clear we won’t back down in our fight to make sure this trend doesn’t continue for the next generation ,” said Fiona Macdonald, a volunteer leader with the Denver East Students Demand Action chapter. “We are incredibly grateful to Colorado lawmakers for hearing our voices and prioritizing gun safety. The gun safety bills passed will go far to protect our schools and places central to democracy, ensure gun dealers obtain a state license and receive background checks and training, and require more robust safety training for people who wish to carry a concealed firearm in public in our state. Students across the state will continue calling on our leaders to prioritize getting additional gun violence prevention.”

Colorado continues to be a leader in gun violence prevention. Colorado ranks 11th in gun law strength in the nation. During the 2024 legislative session, the Colorado legislature has passed:

• House Bill 24-1353 would require retail firearm dealers to obtain a state permit to sell firearms in Colorado. Additionally, this bill will require firearm dealers and employees to undergo background checks, receive training, and implement security measures.
• House Bill 24-1174, legislation to expand training requirements for permits to carry concealed handgun in Colorado.This bill would help foster responsible gun ownership by requiring concealed carry permit holders to undergo more extensive training, including live fire training.
• Senate Bill SB24-131, legislation to prohibit the carrying of firearms in sensitive spaces, including government buildings, polling places, and all schools.
• House Bill 24-1348, legislation to require secure storage of firearms in cars.
• Senate Bill 24-003, legislation to support investigations by the Colorado Bureau of Investigations of instances where prohibited persons attempt to purchase firearms.
• Senate Bill 24-066, legislation to require credit card companies and other financial institutions that process payments to develop a code specifically for the purchase of firearms and related products. The bill was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis last week.

In an average year, 951 people die and 1,392 are wounded by guns in Colorado. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Colorado, and an average of 84 children and teens die by guns every year, of which 48% are suicides and 47% are homicides. Gun violence in Colorado costs $2,039 per resident each year. Gun deaths and injuries cost Colorado $11.7 billion each year, of which $156.1 million is paid by taxpayers. 

More information about gun violence in Colorado is available here.