Limits on the size of ammunition magazines and universal background checks passed the Colorado House on Monday, as a mother turns in her mentally ill son for amassing an arsenal of weapons.
Richard Lancaster, 26, suffers from schizophrenia, among other mental challenges, that has at times led to violence and yet he was able to obtain online boxes of ammunition, hand guns, sniper suits, gun building parts, tactical clothing, rifles and a 'welded AK-47 long gun’, according to investigators.
Lancaster, a resident of Highlands Ranch, has no felony convictions on his record (that's why he could legally obtain so much firepower) and hasn't been convicted of anything yet (charges against him include menacing and attempting to possess a dangerous weapon.)
In the House, the debate continues on other measures with Republicans arguing that the proposals restrict Second Amendment rights, and restriction on guns goes against the state's rugged history.
Republican Rep. Christ Holbert became emotional while explaining his opposition to the bills. He said he understood the implications of the mass shootings in Colorado, "But I care passionately about the United States Constitution and the constitution of this state, and the oath that we have taken," Holbert said.
The bills were among four that the Democratic-controlled House passed amid strong resistance from Republicans, who were joined by a few Democrats to make some of the votes close.
The proposed ammunition restrictions limit magazines to 15 rounds for firearms, and eight for shotguns. Other proposals would ban concealed firearms at colleges and stadiums, and another requires that gun purchasers pay for their own background checks.
House lawmakers began debating the bills Friday. Lawmakers debated for 12 hours before giving initial approval to the bills, setting up the final recorded votes Monday. During the debate Friday, Vice President Joe Biden called four Democrats, including two in moderate districts, to solidify support for the measures. Biden "emphasized the importance of Colorado's role in shaping national policy around this issue."
The proposals will go next to the Senate for a vote.
Comments