Englewood Legislators Propose Gun Safety Bill

Two lawmakers from Englewood have proposed a bill that would require gun owners to complete a safety training course before buying a weapon. 

Under the bill proposed by Assembly Democrats Gordon Johnson and Valerie Vainieri Huttle, applicants for firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to buy a handgun would have to successfully complete a safety class or course recognized by the state police. Proof of completion would be required. 

“This bill will help promote competency and safety in gun ownership,” Johnson said in a news release. “Learning how to properly handle and store weapons can go a long way in helping to avoid unnecessary tragedies.”

First proposed before the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting, Vainieri Huttle and Johnson said the killings underscored the need for gun safety. 

“This is one of many components that are needed in order to tackle the gun violence epidemic and keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” said Vainieri Huttle. “This measure will help create safer, more responsible gun owners.”

"The class or course may be offered by the National Rifle Association, a State or local law enforcement agency, junior college, college, university firearms training school, or any other entity approved by the superintendent. The superintendent is to determine the form of the evidence and the manner in which it is to be presented by the applicant," according to the release. 

Applicants with law enforcement or military experience could substitute that training for the courses. 

California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and Rhode Island already require training firearm training before buying a gun. 

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly's Law and Public Safety Committee. 

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