Gun Laws And 2a
Colorado Lawmakers Seek to Expand Red Flag Law Criteria
Proposal adds violent misdemeanors and domestic abuse convictions to ERPO eligibility
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Denver, CO
DENVER, Colo. Colorado legislators have introduced a bill to expand the scope of the states Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, commonly referred to as a red flag law. The proposed changes would allow family members, law enforcement, and certain medical professionals to petition for firearm removal from individuals with recent violent misdemeanor convictions or domestic abuse restraining orders. Current law limits ERPO petitions primarily to cases involving threats of imminent harm or severe mental health crises. Supporters argue that broadening the criteria will close dangerous gaps and prevent individuals with documented violent behavior from retaining access to firearms. Critics caution that expanding ERPO eligibility could erode due process protections and open the door to abuse of the system. They emphasize the need for strict evidentiary standards and judicial oversight to prevent wrongful firearm seizures. If passed, Colorado would join a growing number of states modifying red flag laws to incorporate additional behavioral and criminal history factors.