Democratic lawmakers are advancing a far-reaching package of new rules on firearms, drafted and backed by national advocates, to make it harder to obtain and carry guns in Colorado.
Why it matters: The nine bills are moving independently and drawing less attention than more concerted efforts in recent years to tighten regulations on firearms, but collectively, they would amount to some of the most significant new restrictions since the 2013 Aurora theater shooting .
Driving the news: The legislation being considered includes a ban on assault-style weapons , an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales , mandatory secure firearm storage in vehicles and new standards for carrying a concealed weapon.
The intrigue: More than a fifth of the entire General Assembly is sponsoring at least one bill to put new restrictions on guns.
The latest: The ban on automatic rifles won initial approval in a House committee just after midnight after a contentious all-day hearing.
- The concealed carry training measure already passed the House along party lines while the Senate approved a bill to boost investigations of illegal firearms.
- Three other bills are scheduled for action later this week.