Colorado Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Colorado House for Passing Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill

DENVER ― The Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded after the Colorado House of Representatives voted to advance Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation. HB19-1177 would empower family members and law enforcement officers to ask a judge to temporarily suspend a person’s access to guns if there is documented evidence that the person poses a serious threat to themselves or others. The bill now heads to the Senate. In addition to its potential for preventing future mass shootings, this type of law has also been found effective in preventing firearm suicides.

“This brings us one step closer to a safer Colorado,” said Karin Asensio, volunteer leader with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “This legislation would make it easier for law enforcement and family members to act on warning signs that someone poses a serious risk to themselves or our communities. We’re grateful to the Colorado House for passing this important public safety bill, and we’ll be urging our state senators to send this to the governor’s desk.”

Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund recently released new polling showing the vast majority of Coloradans — including 78 percent of gun owners — support the concept of Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws.

The poll of more than 1,000 registered voters was conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. Among other findings, it found:

• 87 percent of respondents — including 78 percent of gun owners — support the concept of ERPO laws.
• Support for this includes clear majorities of both Democratic and Republican respondents: 83 percent of respondents who identify as strongly Republican support this policy, as do 97 percent of those who identify as strongly Democratic.

Fourteen states and Washington, D.C. have enacted Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws. More information about this type of legislation is available here.