A Reminder that Most Colorado Gun Owners Support the Concept of Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws

After passing through a state Senate committee and hours of debate on the Senate floor, Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation is headed toward a final vote in the Senate. And as Colorado’s senators prepare to vote on this life-saving legislation, it’s important to keep in mind that:

• Most Colorado gun owners support the concept of ERPO laws. Polling from earlier this year (Question 8 here) shows that 78 percent of Colorado gun owners — and the majority of Coloradans who identify as both Republicans and Democrats — support the idea.
• A number of studies shed light on how can ERPO laws can save lives — including by preventing suicides. Following Connecticut’s increased enforcement of its Red Flag law, one study found the law to be associated with a 14 percent reduction in the state’s firearm suicide rate. Another study in Connecticut found that one suicide was averted for approximately every 11 gun removals carried out under the law. Links to these studies and others here.
• Red states and blue states alike are enacting ERPO laws. 8 states enacted ERPO laws in 2018 – and five of the laws were signed by Republican governors. 14 states now have one of these life-saving laws on the books.

Please reach out for more information or to request an interview with a Colorado Moms Demand Action volunteer.