2A Watch: Colorado’s Gun Control Laws Passed in 2013 Are Back in Federal Court
Colorado’s controversial gun control laws are back in court. On Monday, a federal appeals court heard oral arguments challenging laws passed in 2013 that limit magazine size and expand background checks to include almost all firearm sales. At the time the passage of the laws was a huge win for gun control advocates.House Bill 1229 increased background check requirements to include almost all firearm transfers, with few exceptions. House Bill 1224 prohibited the sale, transfer, or possession of large-capacity magazines. It also required identification markings on all large-capacity magazines manufactured in Colorado after July 1, 2013.These gun controls laws were passed in the wake of the understandably emotional reaction to the tragic shootings at Sandy Hooke Elementary and Aurora, CO. At the time significant opposition existed, especially in the rural areas of the state. In the past two years these voices have grown louder.Guns.com reports:
A federal appeals court Monday heard oral arguments challenging the state’s laws limiting magazine size and expanding background checks to include almost all firearm sales.The appeal is the next progression of a case launched by 54 sheriffs who joined gun rights activists to challenge adoption of HB 1224 banning magazines with greater than 15-round capacities and HB 1229 requiring background checks for all firearm transfers.Last June, U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger ruled the laws were constitutional saying, “No evidence presented here suggests that the general ability of a person to defend him or herself is seriously diminished if magazines are limited to 15 rounds.”Now the case, Colorado Outfitters v. Hickenlooper, is under review by a three-judge panel of the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals consisting of Judges Jerome A. Holmes, Carolyn B. McHugh and Nancy Moritz. Holmes is an appointment by President G.W. Bush while McHugh and Moritz are more recent appointments by President Obama.
It is important to give credit to the 54 sheriffs who have joined the fight against these two Colorado laws. Here at Lions of Liberty we are no strangers to criticizing the police for abusive and violent actions. However, it is equally important to praise officers when they make a stand against those who attempt to infringe upon the right to bear arms. These sheriffs deserve a pat on the back.There won't be a decision from the federal appeals court until later this winter. Until then, the citizens of Colorado will have to patiently wait and hope that these laws do not hinder their abilities to protect their life and their families.Check out previous editions of Second Amendment Watch!The Lions of Liberty are on Twitter, Facebook & Google+Check out our YouTube Channel!Receive access to ALL of our EXCLUSIVE bonus audio content – including “Conspiracy Corner”, “Degenerate Gamblers” and the “League of Liberty Podcast” by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride and supporting us on Patreon!Join our private Facebook Group: The Lions of Liberty Forum
