The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Duran and Armagost, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1062, concerning the penalty for theft of firearms. Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Armagost provided further input on the merits of the legislation.

Discussion ensued regarding the crime levels for the crimes created by the bill, and the effect of laws similar to HB 25-1062 on crime reduction. Discussion followed regarding diversion from the criminal justice system under the bill, and potential loopholes under the bill. Representative Duran responded to questions regarding statistics she cited during opening comments. Representative Armagost responded to questions regarding penalties for firearms theft under current law. Discussion returned to data surrounding firearms theft. Discussion turned to trends in crime rates.

Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing District Attorney's Office, 20th Judicial District and Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Travis Sides, representing District Attorney, 13th Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. John Walsh, representing 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Gordon McLaughlin, representing Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding criminal diversion practices for young offenders under HB 25-1062, and how sentencing is determined for firearms theft under current law. Discussion followed regarding additional questions raised during earlier deliberations, and what happens to a weapon when it is seized in a criminal case. Discussion turned to data surrounding firearms theft.

Chief-Adam Turk, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Greeley Police Department, testified in support of the bill. Ian Escalante, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Mr. Greg White, representing El Paso County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill. Todd Rowell, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Deputy Chief Jensen, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding data surrounding trends in crime, and the ways in which law enforcement prioritizes criminal investigations. Discussion followed regarding the felonization of behavior as a deterrent.

Ms. Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Major-Mark Mason, representing CDPS/Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill. Roshan Kalantar, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ted Collins, representing CFFLA and Spartan Defense Armory, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding crime trends in the Denver area, and access to firearms by youth. Mr. Collins responded to questions regarding a theft at his business. Major Mason responded to questions regarding how laws may empower law enforcement to keep certain individuals off the street, and crime deterrence.

Cory Gaines, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Ronald Dietz, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Justin Green, representing SDS Guns, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Armagost and Duran provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1062. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.