DENVER — One day after a dozen Colorado high schools went on lockdown because of phoned-in threats that included audible sounds of gunfire, Democrats at the state Capitol announced the introduction of a package of bills intended to address gun violence.
In a noon press conference that was halted midway by a fire alarm, Democratic lawmakers announced they will introduce four bills to allow civil lawsuits against gun businesses, strengthen the state's "red flag" law, bar the purchase of firearms for 18- to 20-year-olds, and establish a three-day waiting period for purchasing firearms.
This state is no stranger to gun violence, said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, one of the sponsors of the bill on the Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO), aka the "red flag" law. "The time is now for Democrats to take the lead when it comes to fulfilling our promise to create safer communities and pass real solutions that will cut down on gun violence in our communities today. We are taking a big step towards making that dream a reality."
House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, said Republicans will use every tactic to try to block passage of the proposed bills.
> Watch 9NEWS original shows, live Colorado news and weather updates, daily forecasts, and sports coverage for free on the 9NEWS+ app on Roku and Fire TV.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Next with Kyle Clark
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.