New bill would prevent gun sales to Coloradans convicted of violent misdemeanors

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado lawmakers are considering a new bill that could prohibit people convicted of certain misdemeanors from purchasing a gun.

The Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements is meant to tighten the background check process.

House Bill 21-1298 would prevent licensed gun dealers from selling a firearm to people that have been convicted in the last five years of a misdemeanor for the following offenses:

• Assault in the third degree
• Bias-motivated crime
• Child abuse
• Crime against an at-risk person
• Cruelty to animals
• Harassment
• Menacing
• Possession of an illegal weapon
• Sexual assault
• Unlawful sexual contact
• Unlawfully providing a firearm other than a handgun to a juvenile
• Violation of a protection order

Additionally, HB21-129 makes it unlawful for licensed gun dealers to transfer a firearm before receiving a background check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in the Department of Public Safety. The violation would be a class 1 misdemeanor.

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