Committee approves concealed weapons bill
DENVER (AP) - A Senate commitee on Wednesday approved a less-restrictive bill to preempt local control over concealed weapons permits.
The bill by Sen. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, requires less training than a competing measure. The bill is Senate Bill 63.
The Senate State Veterans and Military Affairs Committee delayed action on the other bill, Senate Bill 24, by Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville. That bill would give sheriffs more power to deny permits.
Lamborn said the bill is being held in reserve in case his bill dies.
Sam Mamet, lobbyist for the Colorado Municipal League which represents about 260 communities across the state, opposed both bills, saying they take away the ability of local communities to set their own rules.
''The issue for us, once again, is local control,'' he said.
Lamborn said cities have no right to dictate gun rights and other rights granted by the U.S. Constitution.
[copyright] by the Casper Star-Tribune
