Ghost gun. Image courtesy of Timesunioin.com
SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers
On Wednesday, Colorado Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, introduced legislation aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” in Colorado. The move follows other gun regulations in recent years including enhancing Colorado’s existing Red Flag laws.
Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections.
SB23-279, will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a firearm, frame, or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer.
“Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home – and they’re extremely dangerous,” said Fields.
“We’ve worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this bill is a big step towards reaching that goal,” Fields added. “I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safe Colorado for us all.”
“Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we can get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.”
Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until Jan. 1, 2024, to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device”, which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun.
SB23-279 will be heard in the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.
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