A bill that would have repealed the law prohibiting permit holders from carrying a concealed handgun on public school property was killed Wednesday by legislators.
was voted down 6-3 by the House State and Veterans Affairs Committee after more than four hours of testimony.
Proponents said the bill would help prevent a Columbine-like school shooting. It would be “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety,” according to the legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Patrick Neville and Kim Ransom and state Sen. Tim Neville. All are Republicans.
Opponents claimed the measure would have made Colorado schools more dangerous by allowing more guns on school grounds.
“Colorado has strong guns law already on the books, and that is why we believe that putting guns into our schools in a step in the wrong direction,” said Amy Chambers, chapter leader of the Colorado Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “We applaud the committee today for voting down this extreme and misguided legislation.”
“I am grateful to the lawmakers today who blocked this dangerous legislation and stood up for the history of responsible gun laws here in Colorado,” added Jane Dougherty, whose sister, Mary Sherlach, was killed in the Dec. 14, 2012, school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Another gun bill related to schools, would allow teachers and other public school employees who have concealed-carry permits to carry a handgun on campus after completing safety training. The bill passed the state Senate this week and is awaiting a hearing in the house of representatives.