![Colorado legislature passes ‘red flag’ gun law](https://www.jurist.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/03/shutterstock_657639088.jpg)
The Colorado House of Representatives approved a “red flag” gun law Monday that will heighten safety measures for high-risk individuals thought to be a threat to themselves or others.
The bill passed in the house by a 38-25 vote and in the Senate last Thursday by a 18-17 vote. Democratic Senate President Leroy Garcia opposed the bill, along with the Republican minority. There have already been several threats of lawsuits in response to the law, saying it is unconstitutional.
The law will permit a family or household member, or law enforcement officer to petition the court for temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) against a person that poses “a significant risk to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody or control or by possessing, purchasing, or receiving a firearm.” The court hearing must be held the day the petition is filed or the day after. The court must hold a second hearing 14 days later to determine if a continuing ERPO is necessary. The ERPO could be in effect for up to one year.
The law will take effect January 1, 2020, so long as Governor Jared Polis signs the bill as expected to.