Sen. Greg Brophy vowed he would kill his own gun bill before he would let it be amended to require a statewide database of Coloradans holding concealed-carry weapons permits.
During debate on his measure Tuesday, the amendment passed but later was stripped on an 18-17 vote, with four Democrats joining Republicans to kill the database.
“One vote for freedom,” a giddy Brophy said. “Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.”
The Wray Republican wasn’t the only one celebrating.
Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton, watched her collective-bargaining bill die during the initial discussion, only to be revived at the last minute on another 18-17 vote.
Both bills face final votes today.
House Bill 1180 by Brophy and Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, would allow holders of concealed-carry weapons permits to be exempt from background checks when buying weapons at gun shops or shows.
Brophy argued that permit holders already have to go through an extensive background check, while customers buying via the Internet don’t go through any background checks.
Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Westminster, said the bill skirts the intention of Amendment 22, which voters overwhelmingly passed in 2000 in the aftermath of the Columbine High School tragedy. The measure requires background checks on all gun-show transactions.
Three of the four weapons used by the Columbine killers a decade ago Monday were purchased at a gun show with no background check because the seller was not a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, said she could support the bill if there were a statewide registry of permit holders. But her amendment eventually died with the help of four Democrats: Tochtrop, Jim Isgar of Hesperus, Abel Tapia of Pueblo and Gail Schwartz of Snowmass Village.
Senate Bill 180 by Tochtrop and Rep. Edward Casso, D-Thornton, originally allowed collective bargaining for public-safety employees. It was amended to cover only firefighters and passed with no support from Republicans.
Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said firefighters deserve the chance to fight for better equipment and working conditions.
“These are basic rights for people who have done so much for us,” Carroll said.
But critics said the bill overrides local control.
“The taxpayers in municipalities and fire-protection districts took one on the chin today,” said Kevin Bommer, with the Colorado Municipal League.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
Staff writer Jessica Fender contributed to this report.
