Could Colorado be getting AI software to detect guns in schools?

DENVER — A proposal seeks to prevent shootings by providing schools with funding to acquire, install and operate AI-driven software that — the company behind the technology claims — can detect guns and alert law enforcement within seconds of the weapon's detection.

The Colorado House Education Committee discussed the measure without voting on Wednesday. 

Sponsored by Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough Park, House Bill 1123 would provide additional financing to the state's School Safety Disbursement Fund. The exact amount has not been determined.  

Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of firearm detection software that uses artificial intelligence to detect the presence of guns without scanning students' faces, clothing, behavior, or skin color, eliminating the potential for profiling, Bradley said.

Bradley said the United States had 303 school shootings last year, setting an all-time record. Colorado is ranked 21st in the nation for school shootings, with 29 incidents reported between 1970 and 2022. Last March, police said a student shot and injured two administrators at East High; the student later killed himself, the police said. 

> Read the full story at Colorado Politics.

VERIFY: ATF has not updated its policy to allow ‘illegal’ immigrants to buy guns in the U.S.

RELATED: Supreme Court appears torn about a Trump-era ban on a gun accessory known as bump stocks

RELATED: Families frustrated by decisions made by DPS before student shot two deans at East High

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Education stories from 9NEWS 

> Share your photos or video with 9NEWS through “Near Me” on the free 9NEWS app! DOWNLOAD APP FOR IPHONE HERE or DOWNLOAD APP FOR ANDROID HERE.