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DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services.
“Democracy is the backbone of our country, and it is crucial that Colorado voters feel safe to engage in their constitutional right to vote,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “Election denialism, sparked by the dangerous ‘Big Lie’ narrative, has put a target on the backs of election workers, canvassers and voters. No one should feel threatened for their involvement in the election process, and this bill helps prevent firearm intimidation from impacting Coloradans’ right to vote.”
“Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting Colorado’s gold standard elections system,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Voters of color have disproportionately been impacted by voter suppression, and it is crucial that we crack down on intimidation tactics so all Coloradans can participate in the election process. This bill strengthens protections to ensure Coloradans can feel safe to vote, serve as an election judge and engage in the election cycle so they can make their voices heard.”
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. HB25-1225 passed by a vote of 8-3.
In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers.
“Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This legislation would help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.”
SB25-059 passed by a vote of 8-3. The bill 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.