Posted on 03/19/2003 8:45:19 AM PST by justlurking
DENVER (AP) - Gov. Bill Owens signed two bills Tuesday that pave the way for the biggest expansion of gun rights in the state since the Columbine High School shootings nearly four years ago.
The debate over issuing concealed weapons permits was raging when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a teacher before killing themselves in 1999.
Soon after, two legislators withdrew bills that simplified applying for gun permits. A third bill limiting the ability of local governments to file lawsuits against gun manufacturers was vetoed by Owens with agreement from legislators.
But Tuesday, Owens signed legislation requiring sheriffs to issue permits to people who pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and who have gone through a handgun-training course.
A second bill Owens signed prohibits local governments from making gun control laws more restrictive than the state's and abolishes local registries of gun owners.
"Over the years, I have insisted that such legislation contain three essential elements," Owens said. "Background checks and proper training would be required, and the permits would not be recognized on school property, elementary through high school."
Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel died in the Columbine massacre, said the two bills will put more guns on the streets which will lead to more violence and death.
"I am shocked and dismayed at our state's leadership, for they have thrown aside the safety of citizens and local control in favor of the gun lobby," Mauser said.
At least they could have sought a different private-citizen opinion from Mauser's, such as that guy whose kid was killed at Columbine but wrote a pro-2A letter. Quoting the governor does not count, because as a government employee he can't offer advocacy opinions like private citizens can.
I think this now makes 32 states that have shall-issue laws (or in the case of Vermont, have no restrictions); this is from packing.org. Is this an accurate tally?
We have always had the right to own and carry ( check the CRS) just not concealed.
Baruch HaShem Adonai Yeshua HaMashiach
Praise the Holy Name of the L-rd Jesus the Christ
chuck <truth@YeshuaHaMashiach>
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