Bill to repeal Colo. ammo magazine limits rejected
Democrats rejected a Republican attempt to repeal restrictions on the size of ammunition magazines in Colorado.
Dozens testified for and against the proposal Monday before a House committee rejected the bill on a 7-4 party-line vote.
Democrats last year passed a law that prohibits the sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. It became effective July 1.
Families of shooting victims in Aurora, Columbine and Sandy Hook demanded the state maintain its ban on ammunition magazines of more than 15 rounds.
“It’s ridiculous, why do you need an automatic rifle number one, why do you need a rifle with a high capacity magazine limit of 100 like my son was killed with. You don’t need that unless you’re at war,” said Theresa Hoover. Her son A.J. Boik was killed in the Aurora theatre shooting in 2012.
Republicans called the limit arbitrary and an infringement on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
Rep. Lori Saine, R-Weld County, is pushing for the bill.
“It’s hard to tell the robber, ‘hey Mr. Robber please would you stop for minute while I reload,'” said Saine.
Rep. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, also pushed for the bill at in the committee Monday. He said southern Colorado voters are encouraging lawmakers continue to push to repeal gun control laws.
“I think the voters in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs made their opinions heard on that and I think a lot of that had to do with not being heard,” said Holbert.
Holbert wanted to see the bill up for debate on the house floor.
Last week, state Sen. George Rivera sponsored a bill to repeal background checks for private and online gun sales. He replaced Angela Giron after she was recalled in September. Democrats killed that bill in a committee last week.
Another repeal attempt is being heard in the Senate on Wednesday, where Democrats also have the votes to stop it.
The magazine limits are among a package of gun laws Democrats passed in the aftermath of mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut.
