DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will sign gun control measures Wednesday that pose limits on ammunition magazines and expand background checks for firearms.
A state government employee with knowledge of the situation confirmed the details to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.
The signings would be a victory for Democrats in the debate over gun control in this politically moderate state where gun ownership has been a treasured right.
The proposals were Democratic centerpieces in the party’s package of gun legislation aimed at addressing mass shootings at a suburban Denver movie theater and Connecticut elementary school last year. The bills would become effective July 1.
Republicans reviled both bills and argued the proposals would not prevent more shootings, but hurt law-abiding citizens’ exercise of their Second Amendment rights.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
