Colorado Governor Jared Polis Signs Gun Control Bills After Boulder Mass Shooting
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed three, gun control bills into law, in the wake of the Boulder supermarket mass shooting that killed at least 10 people. Polis signed the bills into law on Saturday, aiming to curb gun violence in their state.
Cañon City Daily Record reported that the bills were announced on March 22, after the traumatic mass shooting on King Soopers supermarket. The said laws were set to take effect in the state immediately.
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis Signs Gun Control Bills
The said bills that were signed by Polis, were "Expanded Background Checks" (HB21-1298), "Local Control of Gun Regulations" (SB21-256), and "The Office of Gun Violence Prevention" (HB21-1299).
"Recent tragedies around Colorado and the country demand quick and decisive action," the Colorado governor said in CBS News, citing a statement. Polis noted that the laws will make their communities safer keeping firearms out of the hands of those who would harm the Colorado residents.
Despite being signed into law in the wake of the mass shooting, Boulder representative Judy Amabile said that the laws were signed also because of the "everyday gun violence" and the number of people losing their lives in their state because of firearms.
The three laws have different scopes and jobs in curbing gun violence in the state.
HB21-1298 or "Expanded Background Checks" will prohibit anyone from purchasing a firearm without a completed background check. This law would also make the seller of the firearm accountable in case an individual with an incomplete background check got a hold of a gun. Furthermore, the people who are not allowed to own firearms for five years include those who have misdemeanors such as third-degree assault, child abuse, sexual assault, harassment, cruelty to animals, and violation of a protection order.
SB21-256 or "Local Control of Gun Regulations" permits cities in Colorado to come up with gun regulations. This law overwrites a previous state law that does not allow an LGU to impose a regulation that will "prohibit the sale, purchase, or possession of a firearm." However, the law would allow the local governments to designate areas where guns can be carried.
Lastly, HB21-1299 will establish a new office in Colorado that will oversee and coordinate efforts in curbing gun violence in the state. Jared Polis' administration will allocate about $3 million to the state's Department of Health and Environment for the first year to create the "Office of Gun Violence Prevention."
Colorado Center Helping Boulder Mass Shooting Victims Relocate
#BoulderStrong Resource Center relocated to its permanent location at 2935 Baseline Road, The Denver Channel reported. The center was established to support people experiencing trauma after the mass shooting at King Soopers grocery store.
"It's going to take years to heal from this fully," said Kevin Brainy from the Center, emphasizing the trauma from the shooting still haunts the people.
The support center in Colorado offers various services such as crisis counseling, long-term counseling, group support, therapy dogs, and even massage. After the mass shooting in Boulder, the center helped at least 450 people from the community.
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WATCH: Governor Polis Signs Three Gun Reform Bills Into Law - From Governor Jared Polis