Colorado Bureau of Investigation SealDemocrats introduced two new gun control laws pertaining to background checks, as part of the assault weapons ban that wasn’t.  The first bill, HB1229, would require background checks for the transfer of all firearms and the second bill, HB1228, would require purchasers (not the government) to pay for the background checks.  HB1229, sponsored by Democratic State Reps. Rhonda Fields and Beth McCann and Democratic State Sen. Morgan Carroll, reads:

“Unless a specified exception applies, before any person who is not a licensed gun dealer transfers or attempts to transfer possession of a firearm, he or she shall: Require that a background check be conducted of the prospective transferee; and Obtain approval of the transfer from the Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) after a background check has been requested by a licensed gun dealer.”

The bill further reads that the firearm dealer may not charge a fee greater than ten dollars to perform the background check.  Violation of this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor.  There are a few exceptions to this requirement – transfer of an antique gun, transfer between immediate family members defined as siblings, children, parents, and grandchildren, transfer due to death of previous owner when recipient is executor of the estate, a temporary transfer in the home of an unlicensed transferee if he or she is not prohibited from possessing firearms and believes the firearm is necessary to prevent imminent death or harm, or a temporary transfer at a shooting range or while hunting.

HB1228, introduced by Democratic State House Rep. Lois Court and Democratic State Sen. Rollie Heath, requires the recipient of a firearm pay for the mandatory background check (as described above) with the CBI.  The summary of the bill reads:

“The Colorado bureau of investigation (CBI) shall impose a fee for performing an instant criminal background check pursuant to the transfer of a firearm. The amount of the fee shall not exceed the total amount of direct and indirect costs incurred by CBI in performing the background check.”

A Peak source believes the cost for the CBI background check is approximately $12, which combined with the payment the gun dealer would charge of no more than $10, brings the total to around $22 for the background check.  This seems funny to us — demanding that people pay to exercise a basic right enshrined in the bill of rights. Doesn’t the Left constantly complain about the cost of photo ID to vote being unconstitutional?