Colorado Assault Weapon Liability Bill Gets First Approval
A proposal to hold sellers and owners of assault weapons liable for damages in Colorado shootings got initial approval in the state Senate.
Democratic senators pass the bill on a 3-2 committee vote over Republicans’ objections on Monday.
The bill would set different liability standards for manufacturer, sellers, and owners of assault weapons, with owners having the strictest standard. It would be up to juries to decide individual cases.
A federal law protects gun makers and sellers from liability for crimes committed with their products. But Democratic Senate President John Morse says he crafted his bill to avoid that conflict.
Constitutional law professor David Koppel slammed the bill and says it’s poorly drafted.
The bill still needs a full Senate vote. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has not said if he’ll sign it.