DENVER—A plan to revive fees for gun purchasers who need background checks has passed its first test in the Colorado Senate.
The bill would state that gun purchasers would have to pay a fee, likely $10, to cover the cost of a required background check on gun purchases. The Democratic bill passed a Senate committee on a party-line 3-2 vote Monday. One more committee vote is required before the gun fee bill heads to the full Senate.
The background check fee has already cleared the Democratic House. Supporters say the fees need to be revived to address a state background check backlog. They point out that many states charge similar fees.
Republicans have derided the fees as an unconstitutional infringement on the right to bear arms.
