The debate in a Senate committee Monday is expected to be one of the most heated of the session, much like it was last year when hundreds of people showed up to testify on a package of gun bills pushed by Democrats. Amid strong opposition from Republicans, and with the White House watching, Democrats made Colorado the first state outside of the East Coast to pass gun control laws after the Sandy Hook elementary school shootings.
The laws included limiting ammunition magazines to 15 rounds and requiring background checks for private and online sales. Two Democratic senators lost their jobs as a result through subsequent recall elections, and a third resigned under pressure when a recall effort was underway.
The Republican bill to be presented Monday would undo the new background-check requirements. However, with Democrats in control of the Legislature — as well as the governor’s office — and enough votes to block it in committee, the GOP bill faces long odds of passing. But it gives Republicans a chance to continue a fight —even if in the end only symbolic — on an issue that’s popular with their base.
