DENVER — The Colorado Senate on Monday approved a proposal to raise the minimum age to buy a gun to 21.
Supporters argue the legislation, Senate Bill 169, would save lives and help prevent young people from committing violence using a gun, while critics say the package of gun bills Democrat are pushing for would turn law-abiding citizens into criminals.
Current federal law bars individuals under 21 from buying a handgun but those who are 18 can purchase a long firearm. The bill raises the age limit to buy any firearm to 21, with some exceptions.
“As an ER nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this bill that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state," said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, one of the bill's sponsors.
> The video below aired March 10: Colorado lawmakers spent all night at Capitol amid Republican filibuster
Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove a quote with incorrect information on gun deaths in Colorado. Gun deaths in the state have increased overall since 2010 but have not increased every year.
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