Constitutional Carry of Handgun
Additionally, HB1164 changes the age requirement for out-of-state permit recognition from 21 to 18, aligning with the new authority for individuals carrying concealed weapons without a permit. Under existing law, permits were valid for five years; this bill alters permits to be valid for the lifetime of the permit holder, unless the permit is suspended or revoked. The bill also effectively eliminates the need for temporary emergency permits and repeals local governments' authority to regulate the open or concealed carry of handguns. This could lead to a more uniform legal landscape regarding concealed carry across the state.
House Bill 1164, referred to as the 'Constitutional Carry of Handgun', introduces significant changes to the regulation of concealed handgun carry in Colorado. The bill permits individuals who are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a handgun the authority to carry a concealed handgun without requiring a permit. This change means that individuals may carry a concealed weapon akin to someone who has successfully obtained a concealed carry permit, thereby streamlining the process of carrying firearms for law-abiding citizens.
However, the bill's provisions have sparked debate among legislators and the public. Proponents argue that the bill enhances Second Amendment rights and simplifies the process for responsible gun owners. Conversely, opponents express concerns that stripping local governments of their authority to regulate firearms could endanger public safety by eliminating restrictions that help manage where firearms may be carried. Issues surrounding gun violence prevention measures and local autonomy in addressing community-specific concerns are central points of contention in the discussions surrounding HB1164.