Two students in El Paso County have been charged with bringing a gun to Mesa Ridge High School, highlighting the impact of a new Colorado law.
The law, passed in the 2024 legislative session, prohibits firearms in sensitive spaces such as schools, churches, and government buildings, and violations result in a class one misdemeanor.
While the house is divided on whether they agree on the law, they do agree that children’s safety is a priority.
Rep. Regina English from District 17 emphasized, “Most of all, that we can be in safe spaces and feel safe and that our babies can go to school and feel safe.”
“We’re going to make sure that our children actually become important to us. We prioritize them and their safety,” said Rep. Scott Bottoms from District 15.
The new law aims to enhance safety in Colorado by restricting firearms in places deemed sensitive, such as public and private schools, universities, churches, and buildings with elected officials like courthouses.
Despite the law’s intentions, there is debate over its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of gun violence.
Rep. Regina English pointed out, “We see gun violence, we see bad things happen to good people. And it’s just something that’s very problematic that Colorado has yet to solve.”
Rep. Scott Bottoms criticized the law, stating, “They are breaking the law and the Constitution by doing this and pushing against these things.”
Both parties agree that a misdemeanor punishment may not be sufficient to deter gun violence, with English noting, “Someone brings a gun in, we’re going to smack you in a hand and say you’re going to get this misdemeanor shaking my finger. But don’t do it again.”
There is a consensus that more comprehensive security measures are needed, though opinions differ on the approach.
Rep. Scott Bottoms suggested that having armed individuals in schools could prevent shootings, while Regina English advocated for measures like metal detectors, despite concerns they might make schools feel like prisons.
Both English and Bottoms agree that addressing mental health is crucial to tackling gun violence, with English stating, “We need to do a better job at helping people help themselves by dealing with their mental health,” and Bottoms calling it a “cultural issue.”
The debate over Colorado’s new firearm law continues, with both sides acknowledging the need for more effective solutions to ensure safety in sensitive spaces.
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