State Senator Tim Neville (R-Littleton), who sponsored Senate Bill-97, argued that law abiding citizens shouldn’t have to apply for a special permit in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. “The idea behind constitutional carry is that you should be able to carry a concealed handgun without applying for government permission or paying an expensive fee, if you are otherwise legally able to carry a firearm,” Neville said in introducing the bill. “Law abiding Coloradans already can carry openly in most parts of the state, except Denver, and they shouldn’t have to jump through additional hoops, or pay what amounts to a tax, because they choose to carry their means of self-defense in a pocket or a purse or otherwise out of sight.”

A permit is still an option, particularly for those who may wish to carry in other states, Neville explained. Existing reciprocity agreements between states would not be impacted by the bill.

SB-97 passed the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on a party line 3-2 vote, with Democrats opposed. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee for debate.