GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

The gun violence epidemic demands immediate and bold action; I am dedicated to finding and implementing effective solutions to address this crisis with the urgency and complexity the issue deserves.

My passion for gun safety is not just political—it's personal. As a mother and a Coloradan who grew up in the shadow of the Columbine massacre, the fear and consequences of gun violence are realities I've lived with for decades. The plea for action on gun violence is also the most consistent and pressing concern I hear from young Coloradans. They are not just asking for change; they are demanding a future where safety is a given, not a privilege.

In addressing the gun violence crisis, I support a holistic approach that blends policy, education, advocacy, and community outreach. From building strategic coalitions with gun owners and veterans to elevating violence intervention programs, I understand that real change requires going beyond legislation to shift culture and conversation. We must be committed to finding common ground amidst division, relying on evidence over rhetoric, and continue addressing the root causes that drive violence.

My Record of Action

During my three years as a Colorado State Representative, our state has experienced a remarkable wave of legislative progress on gun safety. I was proud to do my part as a primary sponsor of the following bills:

  • Local Regulation of Firearms (SB21-256): This bill empowered local governments to enact firearm regulations so long as they are not less restrictive than state laws. Because of this change in policy, several counties and cities in Colorado have already taken action to strengthen their own gun safety policies.

  • Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention (HB21-1119): This bill expanded our state’s focus on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, aiming to combat the significant increase in gun-related suicides.

I have also been a reliable “yes” vote on several of my colleagues’ transformative gun violence prevention bills:

  • Lost or Stolen Firearms (SB21-078): This bill requires the owner of a firearm who has reasonable cause to believe the firearm was lost or stolen to report to a law enforcement agency that the firearm has been lost or stolen within 5 days of making the discovery.

  • The Office of Gun Violence Prevention (HB21-1299): This bill establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) with the purpose of coordinating and promoting efforts to reduce gun violence.

  • Safe Storage of Firearms (HB21-1106): This bill requires firearm owners to securely store their firearms, requires federally licensed gun dealers to provide a locking device with each sale or transfer or a firearm.

  • Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements (HB21-1298): The bill makes it unlawful for licensed gun dealers to transfer a firearm before receiving a background check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Department of Public Safety.

  • Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser (HB21-1255): This bill strengthened compliance of a 2013 law designed to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

  • The Vote Without Fear Act (HB22-1086): This bill prohibits open carry within close proximity to any polling location to ballot drop box.The Office of Gun Violence Prevention (HB21-1299): This bill establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) with the purpose of coordinating and promoting efforts to reduce gun violence.

  • Increasing Minimum Age to Purchase Firearms (SB23-169): This law raises the legal age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21 years. It makes the unlawful purchase of a firearm by anyone under 21 a class 2 misdemeanor and similarly restricts unlicensed dealers from facilitating such sales.

  • Gun Violence Victims' Access to the Judicial System (SB23-168): This bill facilitates gun violence victims' access to the judicial system by allowing them to sue firearms manufacturers and dealers under certain conditions, particularly focusing on cases where there was a failure to implement reasonable controls in the sale and distribution of firearms.

  • Waiting Period to Deliver A Firearm (HB23-1219): This bill establishes a 3-day waiting period between when a person purchases a firearm and when they can take possession of it.

  • Extreme Risk Protection Order Petitions (SB23-170): This bill expands the list of individuals eligible to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to include district attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators, allowing more individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur.

  • Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle (HB24-1348): This bill requires firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers that are out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen.

  • Enhanced Training Requirements for Concealed Carry Permits (HB24-1174): This bill strengthens firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits, including an in-person live-fire shooting practice as well as education on federal and state firearm laws, to better promote responsible gun ownership. 

The Path Ahead

We have made significant progress in enacting commonsense gun safety laws in Colorado, but the gun violence crisis as as complex as it urgent, and there is much more to do. Going forward, I’m focused on:

Strengthening Mental Health Resources and Suicide Prevention

Recognizing that a significant portion of gun deaths are suicides, I've advocated for and helped pass measures to bolster mental health services across Colorado. This includes funding for crisis intervention, expanding access to mental health professionals in schools and rural areas, and expanding public awareness campaigns about the signs of mental health crises. We must focus on ensuring that those struggling with mental health issues can access the support they need before a tragedy occurs.

Investing in Community-Based Violence Intervention

We must continue to increase our support for proven community violence intervention models to reduce homicides, particularly in underserved neighborhoods where gun violence is especially prevalent. This means funding evidence-based community programs that engage at-risk youth, provide alternatives to violence, and address the socioeconomic factors that contribute to violence. These programs have shown remarkable success in other states, and I am dedicated to replicating and adapting these models to fit Colorado's unique needs.

Limiting Access to High-Capacity Firearms

Assault weapons that were designed for war zones have no place in our communities. These weapons amplify the scale and lethality of mass shootings, as we’ve tragically seen time and time again. I am committed to finding a solution that keeps dangerous assault weapons off our streets. My approach includes collaborating with law enforcement, community leaders, gun reform advocates, and fellow legislators to craft a bill that respects the rights of responsible gun owners while addressing the pleas for action coming from our communities.

Expanding Public Awareness & Education Programs

Education and public awareness are pivotal in our ongoing battle against gun violence. I wholeheartedly support initiatives like the Let’s Talk Guns, Colorado campaign and the outreach programs led by Colorado Ceasefire. These efforts play a crucial role in promoting responsible gun ownership, safe storage practices, and understanding red flag laws.

Going forward, I am committed to expanding these programs to reach wider audiences, including schools, community centers, and online platforms. By increasing public knowledge and facilitating open dialogues about gun safety, we can empower individuals and communities to play a proactive role in preventing gun violence. This expanded approach must also focus on inclusivity, ensuring that all segments of our diverse Colorado community are educated, aware, and engaged in creating a safer environment for everyone.

Honoring those we've lost to gun violence means fighting tirelessly for the living. With your support, I pledge to continue this fight in the State Senate, bringing real change through a combination of bold action and pragmatic, evidence-based solutions.