Colorado Governor To Sign Gun Control Legislation

Democrat Governor John Hickenlooper is also planning to sign a bill reviving user fees for gun purchasers needing background checks, Associated Press reports.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks at the reopening and remembrance of the Century Aurora Theater in Aurora, Colorado, Jan. 17, 2013. James Holmes is accused of killing 12 people and wounding 70 others on July 20, 2012.

Image by Pool New / Reuters

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will sign gun control measures Wednesday that pose limits on ammunition magazines and expand background checks for firearms.

A state government employee with knowledge of the situation confirmed the details to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.

The signings would be a victory for Democrats in the debate over gun control in this politically moderate state where gun ownership has been a treasured right.

The proposals were Democratic centerpieces in the party’s package of gun legislation aimed at addressing mass shootings at a suburban Denver movie theater and Connecticut elementary school last year. The bills would become effective July 1.

Source: hosted.ap.org