Over the past six years, Colorado has enacted over two dozen gun laws that significantly alter firearm ownership, including a law requiring a safety course for buying many semiautomatic weapons by 2026. Gun store owners express concern that new regulations like waiting periods and excise taxes create hurdles for both sellers and buyers, with one retailer asserting the changes could drive customers to seek firearms in neighboring states with looser regulations.
Supporters of the laws, including House Majority Leader Monica Duran, argue that they foster responsible ownership and enhance public safety amidst rising gun violence in the state, which saw 943 firearm-related deaths in 2023 alone. The statewide debate reflects a broader national conflict over gun control, where advocates for stricter regulations clash with those defending Second Amendment rights, each side citing statistics and personal experiences to advocate for their perspectives.
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