875E241D81021FDA872589A4000AA055 Hearing Summary

Representatives Boesenecker and Joseph, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-279, concerning prohibited activity related to firearms, and, in connection therewith, regulating firearms and firearm frames and receivers that do not have serial numbers; prohibitng manufacture of firearms, frames, and receivers by unlicensed persons; establishing a process for serializing firearms, frames, and receivers; and designating machine gun conversion devices as dangerous weapons. Representative Boesenecker explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Joseph cited some statistics, and discussed the need for the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the statistics cited by Representative Joseph, and federal standards for serializing firearms. Representative Boesenecker responded to questions regarding the penalties in the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of the bill on black powder and bolt action rifles, and specific parts to be serialized under the bill. Representative Boesenecker responded to questions regarding what constitutes a necessary firearms component under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding certain types of firearms exempted by the bill, and when serial numbers for firearms were first required under law. Discussion followed regarding which firearm components would be required to be serialized under the bill.

Dawn Reinfeld, representing Blue Rising, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Reinfeld responded to questions regarding her references to "illegal guns."

District Attorney John Kellner, representing the 18th JD, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kellner clarified the position of the Colorado District Attorney's Council on the bill.

Ms. Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kellner responded to questions regarding requirements in SB 23-279 for serializing parts for certain types of firearms, and what his office is experiencing in terms of numbers and types of "ghost guns" used in crimes. Mr. Kellner responded to questions regarding the ability of his office to charge for possession of certain firearms under current law, and jurisprudence associated with the banning of certain firearms. Mr. Kellner responded to questions regarding the mens rea component in SB 23-279.

Mr. Peter Gurfein, representing Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, testified in support of the bill.

Jason McBride, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing herself, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Taylor Rhodes, representing Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrew Lucas, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

David Buttles, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrew Hitt, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Owen Clyncke, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Rhodes responded to questions regarding the potential for SB 23-279 to extend beyond the scope of federal law, and statistics on crimes using firearms.

Mr. Mark Tisdale, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Rhodes responded to questions regarding potential constitutional issues with SB 23-279, and the ability of individuals to manufacture certain firearms parts under the bill. Mr. Tisdale provided input on the latter issue.

Ms. Alexis King, representing First Judicial District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.

Susan Hahn, representing Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Mary Parker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Chief Matthew Packard, representing Colorado State Patrol - Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Ms. King responded to questions regarding the potential for SB 23-279 to increase law enforcement engagement with the public, and the need to serialize multiple parts on certain firearms under the bill.

Mr. Jeffrey DeYoung, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Todd Watkins, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mark, representing himself, testified in opposition to SB 23-279.

No amendments were offered to SB 23-279. Representatives Joseph and Boesenecker provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.