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DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services.
“Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, Trump’s reaction to losing the 2020 election has had a long-term impact on the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “While Republicans defend Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used as a voter suppression tactic to intimidate Coloradans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this bill, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as an election worker, and campaign without fear.”
“The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This legislation protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.”
HB25-1225, also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse.
In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers.
SB25-059 would direct the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The bill would also define “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm.
“Mass shootings like Columbine have impacted our communities for decades, and victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This bill would direct the state to seek funding for victims of mass shooting attacks so we can better provide the support they need.”
“It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this bill is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-059. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m committed to passing legislation that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.”